Henry's Elfin is a tiny, early-spring hairstreak found in wooded areas wherever redbud or holly grows. Its warm brown wings have a subtly frosted paler outer margin below. Adults visit early spring flowers such as blueberry and plum. It is the smallest of the eastern elfin hairstreaks and easily overlooked due to its size and cryptic coloring.
Best time to see a Henry's Elfin
The best time to see a Henry's Elfin is March–April, when about 85% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 3,356 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Henry's Elfin? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Henry's Elfin sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Henry's Elfin? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Henry's Elfin is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love insects & arthropods? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.