Celastrina echo
(Western Spring Azure)
© Rosemary Taylor (Photo ID #95636)
Photographer's Submitted Details
Photo Location
Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island
Photographer
Rosemary Taylor
Habitat
Urban garden
Photo Date
July 08, 2016
Upload Date
July 16, 2016
Elevation (m)
Latitude
49.352
Longitude
-124.4023
Photo ID #
95636
Comments
Identified by Libby Avis, moth and insect expert, from an emailed photo. I had mentioned that ants seemed to be very attentive to this caterpillar. It is a small, only about 1-1/2 inches long. Quoted, with permission, are her comments: That's for sure a caterpillar for a butterfly in the Lycaneidae family. We've never seen one of those ourselves, but from consulting several references, we think it's most likely the last instar for the Spring Azure, Celastrina echo. They're variable in colour (usually more green and white, but can be pale pink) and the markings and size are definitely right for it. According to "Lifehistories of Cascadia Butterflies" (James & Nunnallee), the pre-pupal larvae become reddish purple, just like this one; they also say that C. echo larvae may be tended by ants. So - it all seems to fit!