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• The butterflies:
• Gossamer-wing Butterflies
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  • Coral Hairstreak
  • Acadian Hairstreak
  • Edwards’ Hairstreak
  • Banded Hairstreak
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  • Striped Hairstreak
  • Brown Elfin
  • Hoary Elfin
  • Frosted Elfin
  • Henry’s Elfin
  • Eastern Pine Elfin
  • Juniper Hairstreak
  • White M Hairstreak
  • Gray Hairstreak
  • Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak
  • Early Hairstreak
  • Western Pine Elfin

Brown Elfin

(Callophrys augustinus)

The Brown Elfin is widespread throughout the northern half of Wisconsin, but is seldom very common. Mogens C. Nielson in his book on Michigan butterflies says that this species flies low to the ground and may therefore be easily overlooked, but this is also true about the Henry’s, Frosted, and Hoary Elfins. The Elfins, like the Hairstreaks, have a very short flight period in an area and coupled with the spring flight time, it is difficult to get out into the field when they are actually flying. Consequently, even in an area when you know they occur, you may not be able to observe adults flying every year.

Identifying characteristics: Similar in size and shape to the other state Hairstreaks and Elfins. Below it is a darker brown towards the body and lighter reddish brown marginally. No tails.

Similar species: The Henry’s, Frosted, and Hoary Elfins are similar but all have frosting on the hindwing margin that is lacking in the Brown Elfin.

Habitat: Bogs and wooded areas in the northern part of the state where heaths are prevalent.

Flight: One brood. Has been observed from late April until early June.

Abundance: Found throughout the northern half of the state, and less common southward. Not likely to see more than five of this species in one day

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