Hoary Elfin
Callophrys polios

Size:
Wingspan is 7/8 - 1 1/8 inches.

Similar Species:

Frosted Elfin
Brown Elfin
Henry's Elfin

Habitat:
Open sunny glades in barrens, shale areas, rocky slopes and forest edges.

Range/Abundance:
Very rare or a stray to the region, known to be found in VA and historically in WV.

Flight Period:
Adults fly from late April until late May in a single brood.

Larval Host Plants:
Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi and Trailing Arbutus Epigaea repens

Comments:
The records from WV of this northern elfin were over 100 years ago. The VA records I have no knowledge of them. I would not expect to find this species in the region.

The top photo was provided by Derrick Marven. The second and bottom photos were provided by Ed Lam.

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Hoary Elfin, Callophrys polios
Mouse over the above image to see identification marks.
Hoary Elfin, Callophrys polios
Hoary Elfin, Callophrys polios

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