The Eastern Pine Elfin butterfly is found throughout the Eastern United States.  Their underwing surfaces are brown but strongly marked with gray, reddish brown, and black chevrons and bands. Their upperwing surfaces are rarely seen, but are dark brown on males: females are a lighter brown. Males have a forewing patch (stigma). This elfin species has no tails.

 

“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

 

Eastern Pine Host and Nectar Plants

Host Plants:

• Eastern White Pine
• Virginia Pine
• Shortleaf Pine
• Pitch Pine
• Loblolly Pines
• Red Cedar

Nectar Plants:

• Blueberry
• Chickweed
• Common Milkweed
• White Sweet Clover