# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 4 - **Habitat:** Forests ![Brown Elfin](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Callophrys_augustinus_2.jpg&width=800) Photo: Callophrys_augustinus_5975.JPG : Walter Siegmund (talk) derivative work: Berichard ( talk ), CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Callophrys_augustinus_2.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Lycaenidae - **Genus:** Incisalia ## 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 - **Early Bird Emergence:** Brown Elfin can emerge from its chrysalis earlier than most butterflies because it can withstand chilly spring temperatures. - **Perfect Camouflage:** Brown Elfin has dull brown wings that help them disappear against tree bark and dead leaves, hiding from predators. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/lowbush-blueberry) (*Vaccinium angustifolium*) — Its larvae feed on the leaves. - **Eaten by:** [Black Huckleberry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-huckleberry) (*Gaylussacia baccata*) — Another primary host plant for its caterpillars. - **Hunts:** [Carolina Chickadee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/carolina-chickadee) (*Poecile carolinensis*) — Preys on adult butterflies. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Be gentle and quiet around butterflies so you don't scare them away. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Brown Elfin? Compare the wing outline, spots, bands, eyespots and wing edges. The underside can look completely different from the top. Check for tails, the antennae and where the markings sit instead of relying on color alone. Butterfly Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/jasper-ridge-biological-preserve) — California, US · Nature Reserve - [Pasayten Wilderness](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/pasayten-wilderness) — Washington, US · Nature Reserve - [Haddam Center Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/haddam-center-historic-district) — Connecticut, US · Historic District - [Beaver Creek Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/beaver-creek-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park - [Anderson Bay Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/anderson-bay-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park [View all places to see Brown Elfin](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/brown-elfin) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Brown Elfin: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-elfin)