Eastern Pine Elfin

Th Eastern Pine Elfin (Callophrys niphon) is found throughout the eastern United States, but becomes less common southward. It can be seen as far north as Nova Scotia, and westward into eastern Alberta. It spans southward to northern Texas, the Gulf Coast, and northern Florida. It prefers forests or overgrown pine areas.

Underwing surfaces are brown but strongly marked with gray, reddish brown, and black chevrons and bands. It has no tail. The caterpillar is green with bold white stripes that enable it to be camouflaged among pine needles.

Wing spread: 0.75" - 1.0"

Host plants: Pitch pine and other pine varities

Eastern Pine Elfin Life Cycle Stages and Times

Eastern Pine Elfin Butterfly

Photo by and courtesy of Alan Schmierer