Brown Elfin   Callophrys augustinus
Photo: Courtesy of P. Hall

The most widespread of eight Canadian Elfins, part of the Hairstreak subfamily (Theclinae, 31 species in Canada, 18 in Ontario). C. augustinus is named after Augustus, a devoted Canadian Inuit guide on the 19th century Franklin Arctic Expedition. Previously listed as Incisalia augustinus. Identification: Small, grey brown top wings, with more orange in the female. Underside is sharply divided into a darker brown inner half and lighter, chestnut brown outer half. A row of small black dots can be found in the middle of this lighter section. Wingspan: 19-26 mm. Life History: Eggs are laid singly on food plant. Usually two broods. Hibernates as pupae. Olive to yellow green larvae with yellow dorsal stripe and oblique lateral lines. Often flies with other Elfins and can be found sipping moisture from wet soil and sand. Habitat and Range: Areas with acidic soils including acid bogs, barrens, muskegs, and sandy conifer woods where their food plants occur. It is typically a species of the Boreal Zone but exists in southern Canada in suitable habitat. In Ontario it is found over most of the province. The Brown Elfin is usually locally common and is found throughout Canada. Host Plants: Ericaceae such as blueberries (Vaccinium spp.), Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), and Labrador Tea (Ledum groenlandicum). Flight Period: Early May to mid-June. Similar Species: Hoary Elfin (C. polia) and Moss's Elfin (C. mossii) are distinguished by the grey shading found in the lighter half of the hindwing's underside.