S1

Hoary Elfin

Scientific Name

(Callophrys polios)

The Hoary Elfin is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae (1). They are found from northern Alaska, Canada, and descend into the United States (2, 3). This species not been reported in MD since 1955 (4), and has a state rank of S1.

Identification

The Hoary Elfin has a wingspan of ~ 1 inch. Their upperside is unmarked with orange-brown and the underside is brown, gradually darkening towards the base (1). Many Elfins have frosting on their hindwing margins, but the Hoary Elfin also has frosting on the margin of the forewing. This butterfly does not have a tail (5).

Life Cycle

Males spend their days perched along trails of the host plant, trailing arbutus (Epigaea repens) waiting for females (2). Females lay eggs singly on flowers and leaves where the larvae hatch and spend their time feeding (1, 2), and ultimately overwinter in their chrysalis stage (1).

Adults have a short flight period from early-May to mid-May when they nectar from lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium anguistifolium) (6). They can also be found retrieving nectar from bearberry, leatherleaf, Pyxidanthera barbulata, wild strawberry, and willow (1).