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Species Detail
Hoary Elfin
Callophrys polios (Cook & Watson, 1907)
Attributes of Callophrys poliosFamily: Gossamer-wing Butterflies (Lycaenidae) Subfamily: Hairstreaks (Theclinae) Identification: No tails. Upperside is orangish brown; underside brown. Forewing with outer margin of "frosted" white; irregular postmedian line is white. Outer half of hindwing is "frosted" light gray. Life history: Males perch on plants in sunny clearings and low spots to look for females. Eggs are laid singly on leaf buds or flower pedicels. Chrysalids hibernate. Flight: One flight from April-June. Wing span: 7/8 - 1 1/8 inches (2.2 - 2.9 cm). Caterpillar hosts: Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) in the heath family (Ericaceae); probably trailing arbutus (Epigaea repens). Adult food: Nectar from flowers including leatherleaf, pyxie, wild strawberry, and willow. Habitat: Open sunny glades in barrens, rocky ridges, dunes, forest edges, adjacent to bogs. Range: Very local distribution. Maine south to New Jersey, south in Appalachians to Virginia; west across Great Lakes states and southern prairie provinces; north to Alaska. Along Pacific Coast to northern California; south in Rocky Mountains to northern New Mexico. Conservation: Not usually required. NatureServe Global Status: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. Management needs: None reported. | Documented Records for Callophrys polios
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