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.
Habitat
Heath barrens, pine-oak forests, and acid bogs
Diet
Larvae: blueberry, Labrador tea, and bearberry flowers. Adults: nectar
How common
Common
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