Brown Elfin
ExploreInsects
Brown Elfin
Callophrys augustinus
The Brown Elfin is a small butterfly with beautiful brown wings. It loves to flutter around in sunny spots, especially in springtime when flowers bloom.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Brown Elfin is a small, dusky brown butterfly with a unique stubby tail-like projection on its hindwings. Its undersides are a uniform reddish-brown, often lacking the vibrant patterns of other butterflies, which aids in camouflage. This appearance helps it blend perfectly with withered leaves or tree bark.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyLycaenidaeGenusIncisalia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Brown Elfin caterpillars look like plant buds to cleverly hide from hungry birds!
Female Elfins lay their tiny eggs one by one on the buds of specific host plants!
Its scientific name, Callophrys augustinus, hints at its early appearance in spring!
When it closes its wings, this butterfly blends perfectly with withered leaves or bark!
Special abilities
Ability
Early Bird Emergence
Brown Elfin can emerge from its chrysalis earlier than most butterflies because it can withstand chilly spring temperatures.
Ability
Perfect Camouflage
Brown Elfin has dull brown wings that help them disappear against tree bark and dead leaves, hiding from predators.
Ability
Host Plant Hopper
Brown Elfin larvae can eat leaves from various related host plants, helping them find food in different areas.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 20-30 mm
- Size
- 15-25 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-20 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults sip sweet nectar from flowers, while caterpillars munch on plant leaves.
Age differences: Larvae eat the leaves of specific host plants, while adults feed on flower nectar.
Primary Foods
- nectar
- blueberry leaves
- huckleberry leaves
- cranberry leaves
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Lowbush Blueberry
Vaccinium angustifolium
Its larvae feed on the leaves.
eaten by
Black Huckleberry
Gaylussacia baccata
Another primary host plant for its caterpillars.
hunts
Carolina Chickadee
Poecile carolinensis
Preys on adult butterflies.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Be gentle and quiet around butterflies so you don't scare them away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brown Elfin's wingspan?
20-30 mm
How big is Brown Elfin?
15-25 mm
How long does Brown Elfin live?
10-20 days
What does Brown Elfin eat?
Adults sip sweet nectar from flowers, while caterpillars munch on plant leaves.
Where is Brown Elfin usually found?
Forests
How does Brown Elfin hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Brown Elfin have?
6
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