Eastern Pine Elfin
Common NameEastern Pine Elfin
Scientific NameCallophrys niphon
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)27
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, reddish-brown, tan
HabitatPine forests, pine barrens, sandy areas with host pines
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southeastern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and Minnesota
Host PlantsPinus rigida, Pinus virginiana, Pinus taeda, Pinus echinata
Flight PeriodMarch to May
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on new pine needles. Larvae feed on the needles, camouflaged to blend in. Pupae overwinter in the leaf litter at the base of the host plant.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive mottled brown underside with an irregular white postmedian line and a reddish-brown patch on the hindwing. It lacks tails, distinguishing it from many other hairstreaks, and is found exclusively in pine habitats.
Description
A small, cryptically colored butterfly with mottled brown undersides, featuring an irregular white postmedian line and a reddish-brown patch on the hindwing.
