The Henry’s Elfin is a small, brown butterfly with a short, stubby tail. Also known as the “Woodland Elfin,” it is most often found along woodland edges, near host plants like redbud. The underside of the wings is distinctly two-toned, with the outer half a much lighter brown than the inner half. A dusting of gray along the outer margins gives the appearance of soft frosting. The upper wings are usually dark brown and rarely seen when the butterfly is at rest.

 

“Henry’s Elfin” by John Flannery, licensed under (CC BY-ND 2.0)

 

Henry’s Elfin Facts

Butterfly Family: Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Theclinae

Butterfly Wingspan: 1 – 1 1/4 inches

Butterfly Habitat: Edges and openings in barrens and near pine or pine-oak woodland

 

🪴 Host Plants

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

• Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

• Mapleleaf Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium)

• Possumhaw Viburnum (Viburnum nudum)

• Sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum)

 

🌸 Nectar Plants

Adult Henry’s Elfin butterflies feed on nectar from the following native flowers:

• Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata)

• Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

• Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea)

• Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica)

• Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum)