Callophrys lanoraieensis
(Sheppard, 1934)
bog elfin
Callophrys lanoraieensis, the bog elfin, is a small North American in the Lycaenidae. It is a restricted to peatland dominated by black spruce and tamarack. The has a limited distribution in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada, with isolated across its range. Its small size, dull brown coloration, and lack of hindwing tails distinguish it from related elfin species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Callophrys lanoraieensis: /kæˈlɒfrɪs læˌnɔreɪˈɛnsɪs/
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Identification
Distinguished from the eastern pine elfin (Callophrys niphon) by preference—bog elfin is restricted to peatland bogs with black spruce and tamarack, while eastern pine elfin occurs in pine barrens and dry sandy habitats. The bog elfin lacks hindwing tails, separating it from tailed hairstreaks in the same region. Its small size and uniformly dull brown wings without blue or green iridescence help separate it from other Callophrys .
Appearance
Small with wingspan 16–19 mm. Wings are dull brown without metallic iridescence. Hindwings lack the tail-like projections present in many other butterflies. Overall coloration is cryptic and subdued compared to more brightly colored relatives.
Habitat
Specialized to peatland , specifically black spruce (Picea mariana) bogs and tamarack (Larix laricina) wetlands. Occurs in acidic, water-saturated sphagnum moss with stunted conifer cover. Requires intact bog ecosystems with plant availability.
Distribution
Northeastern North America: eastern New Hampshire through coastal Maine to New Brunswick; isolated in eastern Ontario, southern Quebec, and Nova Scotia. Rare and localized in New York and Massachusetts. Discontinuous distribution with population centers tied to specific bog systems.
Diet
Larval : black spruce (Picea mariana). food sources not documented in available sources.
Host Associations
- Picea mariana - larval black spruce
Similar Taxa
- Callophrys niphoneastern pine elfin; differs in (pine barrens vs. peatland bogs) and plant association (pines vs. black spruce)
More Details
Taxonomic note
Originally described as Incisalia lanoraieensis by Sheppard in 1934; now treated as Callophrys lanoraieensis in most modern classifications, though some sources retain Incisalia as the .
Conservation status
Restricted to rare and declining bog ; likely vulnerable to habitat loss from peat extraction, drainage, and climate change effects on wetland hydrology.