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Western Pine Elfin

Callophrys eryphon

The Western Pine Elfin is a small butterfly that loves to flutter around pine trees. Its bright green wings help it blend in with the leaves, making it a special little friend in the forest.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Western Pine Elfin has small, reddish-brown to orange wings with dark borders and a fuzzy body. Its undersides are a mottled blend of brown and grey, often marked with a distinct white line and small black spots near the hindwing, offering excellent camouflage.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyLycaenidaeGenusIncisalia
Western Pine Elfin
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Western Pine Elfin

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Baby Elfin caterpillars munch only on pine tree needles to grow big and strong.

Its "Elfin" name fits its tiny size and quick, flitting flight style!

These butterflies are among the very first to appear in spring, sometimes even with snow!

They have fuzzy bodies that help keep them warm during chilly early spring days.

Special abilities

Ability

Forest Blending

Western Pine Elfin has mottled brown and grey undersides that help them disappear against pine bark and needles.

Ability

Pine Power

Western Pine Elfin caterpillars can digest tough pine needles, a unique food source that fuels their growth.

Ability

Early Riser

Western Pine Elfin can emerge very early in spring, allowing them to find food before other insects.

Ability

Nectar Sipper

Western Pine Elfin can quickly dart between early spring flowers, collecting nectar for energy.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
22-32 mm
Size
10-15 mm
Lifespan
7-14 days
Flight Speed
8 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults sip nectar from flowers, while their caterpillars are specialized pine needle eaters.

Age differences: Larvae consume pine needles, while adults feed on flower nectar.

Primary Foods

  • Pinus ponderosa
  • Pinus contorta
  • Pinus jeffreyi
  • Lomatium dissectum nectar
  • Ceanothus nectar

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Ponderosa Pine

Pinus ponderosa

Larvae feed exclusively on its needles.

eats

Steller's Jay

Cyanocitta stelleri

Birds hunt these butterflies for a quick meal.

pollinates

Fernleaf Biscuitroot

Lomatium dissectum

Adult butterflies help transfer pollen between flowers.

symbiotic with

Silky Ant

Formica fusca

Ants tend Elfin larvae for their sweet secretions.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Be gentle and quiet when watching butterflies so you don't scare them away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Western Pine Elfin's wingspan?

22-32 mm

How big is Western Pine Elfin?

10-15 mm

How long does Western Pine Elfin live?

7-14 days

How fast can Western Pine Elfin fly?

8 km/h

What does Western Pine Elfin eat?

Adults sip nectar from flowers, while their caterpillars are specialized pine needle eaters.

Where is Western Pine Elfin usually found?

Forests

How does Western Pine Elfin hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Western Pine Elfin have?

6

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