Head to head
Holly Blue vs Spring Azure
Holly Blue
VS Spring Azure
The holly blue of Eurasia and the spring azure of North America are close relatives in the genus Celastrina, small blue butterflies that overwinter as chrysalises and fly in early spring.
| Holly Blue | Spring Azure | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Celastrina argiolus | Celastrina ladon |
| Relationship | A close relative of the spring azure, in the same genus | A close relative of the holly blue, in the same genus |
| Range | Hedgerows, gardens, and woodland edges across Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia | Forested habitat and woodland edges across most of North America |
| Colour | A pale silvery-blue underside spotted with tiny black dots, and no orange markings | Fresh adults are pale blue above, a colour that fades as they age |
| Caterpillar food | Holly buds and berries in spring, and ivy in summer | Flower buds and developing fruit of various woodland shrubs and trees |
| Flight | Often flutters high around shrubs, hedges, and trees | Flies fast and somewhat erratically low over woodland edges and clearings |
| Winter | Spends the winter as a chrysalis, hidden in a sheltered spot | Survives the winter as a chrysalis, timed to emerge at the first warm spell |
| Conservation status | Least Concern, with a stable population | Least Concern, with a stable population |
Holly Blue vs Spring Azure: common questions
Are the holly blue and spring azure related?
Yes, both belong to the genus Celastrina, one in Eurasia and the other in North America.
Which one lays on holly and ivy?
The holly blue, whose spring brood lays on holly and summer brood lays on ivy.
Which one is among the first butterflies of the year?
The spring azure, which often appears on the first warm days of early spring.