Callophrys henrici
Size:
Wingspan is 7/8 - 1 1/8 inches.
Similar Species:
Brown Elfin
Frosted Elfin
Habitat:
Woodlands, woodland edges, swamp edges, hillsides with redbud and power
line cuts.
Range/Abundance:
Uncommon
to fairly common in the piedmont, mountains and the coastal plain.
Flight Period:
Adults fly from early March until late April in a single brood. In the
mountains of the Virginias it flies into mid May.
Larval Host Plants:
Redbud Cercis canadensis in the mountains and piedmont. American
Holly Ilex opaca in the coastal plain.
Comments:
This is usually the earliest and most common elfin in the region. Look
for blooming Redbuds in spring and you will likely find Henry's Elfin.
This elfin can be variable as shown at the right. It is
the only elfin that can be found in the mountains, piedmont and coastal
plain.
The top photo was taken in Orange Co., NC on March 25, 2003. The second and third photos were taken along Catawba Creek in Botetourt Co., VA on April 24, 2003. The bottom photo was taken in Orange Co., NC on March 28, 2003.
