The Brown Elfin is a small, warm brown spring hairstreak that is one of the earliest butterflies to fly each year, appearing in March and April as the first wildflowers bloom. Its plain brown wings are cryptic but close inspection reveals subtle purplish iridescence. It is widespread in both eastern and western North America and inhabits heathy, acidic environments.
Best time to see a Brown Elfin
The best time to see a Brown Elfin is April–May, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 5,541 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Brown Elfin? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Brown Elfin sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
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