Summer Azure Butterfly

Open woodlands, gardens, meadows, and brushy areas

Adults feed on nectar from flowers and dogwood berries; larvae eat flowers and fruits of various host plants including dogwood and New Jersey tea.

Active in summer; often seen 'puddling' on damp soil to drink minerals; they have several generations per year and undergo complete metamorphosis.

No risk to humans; benefits include pollination of local plant species and serving as a food source for birds and spiders.