Callophrys augustinus
(Westwood, 1852)
Brown Elfin, Western Elfin (subspecies iroides)
Callophrys augustinus, the , is a small lycaenid with a wingspan of 22–29 mm. are active in a single from early May to early June. The is with pupal . feed on Ericaceae species in eastern North America and a broader range of plants in western .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Callophrys augustinus: //kəˈlɒfrɪs ɔːˈɡʌstɪnəs//
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Identification
Distinguished from other North elfins (Callophrys ) by combination of upper coloration and the W-shaped postmedian on the underside. The western C. a. iroides occurs in different geographic range than eastern . Similar species include Henry's (Callophrys henrici) and frosted elfin (Callophrys irus), which differ in associations and subtle wing pattern details.
Images
Appearance
Small with wingspan 22–29 mm. Upper surfaces . Underside typically shows a postmedian forming a W-shape or zigzag pattern, a characteristic feature of butterflies in this . clubbed with white rings.
Habitat
Occupies forested and shrubland . Eastern associated with Vaccinium and Ledum groenlandicum in acidic, often boggy woodlands. Western populations found in more varied habitats including chaparral and woodland edges with Arbutus and Cuscuta plants.
Distribution
Transcontinental in northern North America. From Newfoundland west through prairie provinces to Alaska. Southward in Appalachians to northern Georgia and Alabama, and through western cordillera to northern Baja California, Mexico. iroides restricted to Pacific coastal region from British Columbia to California and Baja California.
Seasonality
on early May to early June in one . . overwinter, with adults emerging in spring.
Diet
feed on flowers and fruits of plants. Eastern : Vaccinium vacillans, Ledum groenlandicum (Ericaceae). Western populations: Arbutus , Cuscuta species, and other plants. feed on nectar from diverse flowers including Vaccinium, Sanicula arctopoides, Lindera, Salix, Barbarea, and Prunus americana.
Host Associations
- Vaccinium vacillans - larval eastern
- Ledum groenlandicum - larval eastern
- Arbutus - larval western
- Cuscuta - larval western
Life Cycle
with four stages: , , , . occurs in leaf litter at base of . as pupa. Single per year.
Behavior
visit flowers for nectar. feed specifically on reproductive structures (flowers and fruits) rather than foliage. period relatively brief and synchronized across .
Ecological Role
function as when nectaring. act as specialized on Ericaceae and other flowering plants, potentially influencing seed production of .
Human Relevance
Subject of long-term studies, including Art Shapiro's 42-year survey in California's Central Valley. iroides has been documented as appearing earlier in the season in recent years, with observations on January 25, 2014 at Gates Canyon, Vacaville representing the earliest recorded date for that site.
Similar Taxa
- Callophrys henriciHenry's ; similar size and appearance but associated with different plants (primarily Celtis and Rhamnus)
- Callophrys irusFrosted ; with more restricted range, underside pattern differs
- Callophrys gryneusJuniper ; green coloration on , different (Juniperus)
More Details
Taxonomic history
First collected by John Richardson in 1827. Specific epithet augustinus honors Inuit interpreter Tatannuaq, also known as 'Augustus'. Formerly placed in Incisalia, now synonymized with Callophrys.
Subspecies
Recognized include C. a. augustinus (Canada), C. a. iroides (Pacific coast, known as western ), C. a. annettae (New Mexico), C. a. concava (Nevada), C. a. croesioides (Canada), and C. a. helenae (Newfoundland).