A Case of Sympatric \u3ci\u3eCelastrina ladon\u3c/i\u3e (Cramer), \u3ci\u3eCelastrina lucia\u3c/i\u3e (W. Kirby) and \u3ci\u3eCelastrina neglecta\u3c/i\u3e (Edwards) (Lycaenidae: Polyommatinae) in Northern Virginia, with Additional Records of \u3ci\u3eC. lucia\u3c/i\u3e in Virginia

Abstract

A case of fully sympatric Celastrina ladon, C. lucia, and early spring brood C. neglecta is documented at a site in northern Virginia. Observations indicate that all three species occupy the same habitat, fly during the same flight period and utilize the same hostplant with no evidence of hybridization. C. ladon and C. lucia are obligate univoltines while C. neglecta is multivoltine. A later flight (second brood) of Celastrina neglecta at the same site utilizes eriophyid mite-induced leaf galls on the very same host tree species. Additional Virginia records of C. lucia are documented