Atlantic Holly Azure 
Celastrina idella

Atlantic Holly Azure, a large pale blue azure, is a locally uncommon early spring inhabitant of the Coastal and inner Coastal counties. It was described by David Wright and Harry Pavulaan in 1999 and is the first azure to fly on the Coast in spring. Spring Azure (C. ladon) is rare on the Coast or absent from it, and Summer Azure (C. neglecta) flies later than Holly Azure, although there could be some overlap in late April and early May. The hostplants are American holly (Ilex opaca), inkberry (gallberry) (Ilex glabra) and yaupon (Ilex vomitoria). Summer Azure also uses Ilex opaca, but it does not use Ilex glabra or llex vomitoria. Atlantic Holly Azure was photographed ovipositing on the unopened buds of Ilex glabra in three locations in Chatham Count on April 24 by Fitz Clarke and on Ilex vomitoria in McIntosh County on April 16 by Christa Hayes. The best way to be sure of identification is in its association with a hostplant. There is one brood: mid-March to early May. Early date: March 28; Late date: May 4. Conservation Status: Secure.