Brown Elfin

family Lycaenidae: Hairstreaks Behr's Hairstreak Brown Elfin Golden Hairstreak Gray Hairstreak Juniper Hairstreak Sheridan's Hairstreak Blue Butterfly Identification Types of Butterflies

Elfin butterflies are a group of hairstreaks in the Callophrys genus. Species' range is typically limited to specific regions based on their larval food sources.

The Brown Elfin (Callophrys augustinus) is a common West Coast species, with a small population living in the upper Midwest and New England.

Brown patterned wings often serve as a common field identification for elfin species. The picture shows the Brown Elfin's purple or dark splotch at the bottom of the wing.

© 2003 Patricia A. Michaels