Brown Elfin
Common NameBrown Elfin
Scientific NameCallophrys augustinus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsbrown, reddish-brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, pine barrens, bogs, heathlands, clearings
Geographic RangeNorth America (Canada to eastern and parts of western US)
Host Plantsblueberry, huckleberry, bearberry, Labrador tea, laurel
Flight PeriodMarch to June
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant buds or young leaves. Larvae feed on the host plant, and pupae overwinter, typically in leaf litter or at the base of the host plant.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its plain, uniformly reddish-brown underside with minimal or no markings, and its early spring flight period. It lacks the prominent tails seen on many other hairstreaks.
Description
A small, uniformly reddish-brown butterfly, often appearing dull, with a plain underside that may have a faint darker patch on the hindwing.
