The Eastern Pine Elfin is a small butterfly found throughout the eastern United States, typically in or near pine woodlands. The underside of the wings is brown with bold markings in gray, reddish brown, and black, forming chevrons and bands that help it blend in with tree bark. The upper wing surfaces are rarely seen in the field. Males are dark brown and have a small stigma patch on the forewing, while females are a lighter brown. This species has no tails and a short, quick flight.

 

“Eastern Pine Elfin” by Mike Ostrowski, licensed under (CC BY-SA 2.0)

 

Eastern Pine Elfin Facts

Butterfly Family: Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Theclinae

Butterfly Wingspan: 1 – 1 1/4 inches

Butterfly Habitat: Areas with small to medium pines such as forest openings and edges, and old fields

 

 

🪴Host Plants

These are the plants where females lay eggs and caterpillars feed:

• Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida)

• Shortleaf Pine (Pinus echinata)

• Virginia Pine (Pinus virginiana)

 

🌸 Nectar Plants

Adult Eastern Pine Elfin butterflies feed on nectar from the following native flowers:

• Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata)

• Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea)

• Lowbush Blueberry (Vaccinium pallidum)

• Pussytoes (Antennaria spp.)

• Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica)

• Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum)