The Brown Elfin is a small butterfly with no tails or frosting on their wings. The underside of the wings is various shades of brown, including rich mahogany. The outer portions are lighter, and the upper surfaces are also brown. Males have a dark stigma patch on the forewing.

 

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Brown Elfin Facts

Butterfly Family: Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Theclinae

Butterfly Wingspan: 7/8 – 1 1/8 inches

Butterfly Habitat: Mixed conifer woods, barrens, bogs, sandy coasts, and chaparrals

 

Brown Elfin Host and Nectar Plants

Host Plants:

• Black Huckleberry
• Sugar Huckleberry
• Lowbush Blueberries
• Highbush Blueberries
• Mountain Laurel

Nectar Plants:

• Spicebush
• Willow Winter Cress
• Wild Plum
• Blueberry