Celastrina asheri
LaBar, Pelham & Kondla, 2022
Asher's Blue
Celastrina asheri is a recently described in the Lycaenidae, formally recognized in 2022. It belongs to the taxonomically complex Celastrina , which has undergone significant revision. The species is known from observations primarily in western North America. As a newly described , detailed natural history information remains limited.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Celastrina asheri: /sɛˈlæstrɪnə ˈæʃəri/
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Identification
Celastrina asheri is distinguished from related Celastrina through a combination of genitalic and molecular data, as described in the original 2022 description. Field identification to species level is challenging due to similarities with other Celastrina blues; dissection or molecular analysis is typically required for definitive identification. The species was separated from the broader Celastrina ladon/ladonides complex based on diagnostic characters established by LaBar, Pelham & Kondla.
Distribution
Western North America. Specific range boundaries are still being established as the was described in 2022 and is subject to ongoing taxonomic clarification.
Similar Taxa
- Celastrina ladonFormerly considered ; C. asheri was split from the C. ladon complex based on genitalic and molecular differences
- Celastrina ladonidesAnother member of the taxonomically challenging Celastrina complex from which C. asheri was distinguished
- Celastrina echoSympatric or parapatric Celastrina with which C. asheri may be confused in the field
More Details
Taxonomic History
Celastrina asheri was described as a new in 2022 by LaBar, Pelham & Kondla, representing a split from the previously broader Celastrina ladon/ladonides . This continues the trend of splitting in the Celastrina, which has seen multiple new species descriptions in recent years based on integrated morphological and molecular evidence.
Research Status
As a described in 2022, comprehensive natural history studies have not yet been published. Much of the available information derives from the original description and subsequent observations submitted to platforms such as iNaturalist.