Callophrys fotis
(Strecker, 1877)
Desert Elfin, Early Elfin, Fotis Hairstreak, Strecker's Elfin, Arizona Gray Elfin
Callophrys fotis is a small native to the southwestern United States. It has a wingspan of 19–28 millimeters. The occurs in arid and semi-arid regions across six states, from southeastern California to northwestern New Mexico. Two are recognized: the nominate C. f. fotis and C. f. mojavensis described by Austin in 1998.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Callophrys fotis: //kæˈlɒfrɪs ˈfoʊtɪs//
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Identification
A small elfin (wingspan under 30 mm) of the southwestern United States. Distinguished from other Callophrys by geographic range and association with desert and semi-desert . The C. f. mojavensis is restricted to the Mojave Desert region.
Images
Habitat
Arid and semi-arid environments including desert scrub, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and open rocky areas. Associated with elevations in the southwestern United States where plants occur.
Distribution
to the southwestern United States. Documented from southeastern California, Nevada, Utah, western Colorado, northern Arizona, and northwestern New Mexico.
Similar Taxa
- Callophrys affinisWestern Green Hairstreak, another small Callophrys in western North America, but occurs in different geographic range and
- Callophrys gryneusJuniper Hairstreak, shares and general elfin but has different plant associations and distribution
More Details
Subspecies
Two are recognized: Callophrys fotis fotis (nominate form) and Callophrys fotis mojavensis Austin, 1998, the latter described from the Mojave Desert.