Pupal-survival
Guides
Callophrys irus irus
Frosted Elfin
Callophrys irus irus is the nominate subspecies of the frosted elfin butterfly, a rare Lycaenid with a historical range spanning from Ontario to Florida and west to Texas and Wisconsin. Genetic studies have found no evidence that this subspecies is genetically distinct from other populations, including the historically recognized C. i. arsace. The species inhabits fire-maintained pine barren habitats and has experienced significant population declines due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Conservation efforts focus on managing habitat patch area and host plant abundance to improve occupancy probability.