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Species Detail
Eastern Pine Elfin
Callophrys niphon Hübner, [1819]
Attributes of Callophrys niphonFamily: Gossamer-wing Butterflies (Lycaenidae) Subfamily: Hairstreaks (Theclinae) Identification: Tailless. Upperside dark brown; female with dark borders. Underside banded with dark brown; hindwing with submarginal gray band outside row of black crescents. Life history: Males perch on tops of pine trees in the sun to find receptive females. Eggs are laid singly on new needles of young trees; caterpillars feed on the needles. Chrysalids hibernate and adults emerge in the spring. Flight: One flight from March-June. Wing span: 1 - 1 1/4 inches (2.5 - 3.2 cm). Caterpillar hosts: Various hard pines including scrub pine (Pinus virginiana) and jack pine (P. banksiana), and the soft white pine (P. strobus). Adult food: Nectar of many different flowers including blueberry, cinquefoil, chickweed, common milkweed, and white sweet clover. Habitat: Areas with small to medium pines such as forest openings and edges, and old fields. Range: Nova Scotia west to eastern Alberta; south to northern Texas, the Gulf Coast, and northern Florida. 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 niphon
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