Description

The Western Pine Elfin (Callophrys eryphon) is a small butterfly with brown wings featuring a band of lighter, irregular markings and a jagged outer edge, often found in coniferous forests, particularly near pine trees, throughout western North America and the boreal north which includes parts of Minnesota. I was never successful in getting photos of one in Minnesota, so the images here are from Colorado’s Front Range.

Range

Only found in far northeastern MN.

Similar Species

Eastern Pine Elfin differs from Western in that Western has spots on the hindwing margins and has more pink overall.

Host Plants

Here are the main larval host plants:  In Minnesota, probably Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

Flight

June.