Elfin
Guides
Callophrys augustinus
Brown Elfin, Western Elfin (subspecies iroides)
Callophrys augustinus, the brown elfin, is a small lycaenid butterfly with a wingspan of 22–29 mm. Adults are active in a single generation from early May to early June. The species is univoltine with pupal hibernation. Larvae feed on Ericaceae species in eastern North America and a broader range of host plants in western populations.
Callophrys fotis
Desert Elfin, Early Elfin, Fotis Hairstreak, Strecker's Elfin, Arizona Gray Elfin
Callophrys fotis is a small gossamer-winged butterfly native to the southwestern United States. It has a wingspan of 19–28 millimeters. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions across six states, from southeastern California to northwestern New Mexico. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate C. f. fotis and C. f. mojavensis described by Austin in 1998.
Callophrys henrici
Henry's elfin, woodland elfin
Callophrys henrici, commonly known as Henry's elfin or woodland elfin, is a small North American butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. The species exhibits distinct population groups with different host plant associations: Atlantic Coast populations feed on various hollies (Ilex species), while northern and Appalachian populations use redbud (Cercis canadensis). The species has shown recent range expansion in New England due to adoption of introduced common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) as a host plant. It is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut.
Callophrys irus hadros
Frosted Elfin
Callophrys irus hadros is a subspecies of Frosted Elfin butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It has been studied in Arkansas where research has examined its distribution and habitat preferences. The subspecies is part of a complex of elfin butterflies that occur in North America. Limited observational data exists, with only 10 records documented on iNaturalist.
Callophrys niphon
Eastern Pine Elfin
Callophrys niphon, the eastern pine elfin, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae native to North America. It is closely associated with pine habitats and has a single annual flight period that varies geographically. The species is distinguished from similar elfins by wing pattern characteristics.
Callophrys polios
Hoary Elfin
Callophrys polios, the hoary elfin, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae with a wingspan of 22–29 mm. It is a northern specialist species associated primarily with pine-oak barrens and other open habitats. The species has a broad but patchy distribution across North America, from Alaska and Canada south through the Great Lakes, New England, Appalachians, Rocky Mountains, and Pacific Coast to northern California. Adults are active in spring, with a single generation from April to June. The species is listed as a species of special concern and believed extirpated in Connecticut.