About Incisalia eryphon (Boisduval, 1852)
The western pine elfin, scientifically known as Incisalia eryphon (Boisduval, 1852) (also referenced as Callophrys eryphon), is a species of North American butterfly. Its distribution ranges from British Columbia east to Maine, and south to southern California, Arizona, and New Mexico. Males of this species are brown, while females are orange-brown; both sexes have bold patterned hind wings. The upper surface of the wings has dark bars, with a lighter chevron-shaped margin. Adult body length ranges from 19 to 32 mm, and the species has no tail. This butterfly inhabits natural pine woods and evergreen forests. In the northwest United States, it nests in lodgepole pines, and individuals can be seen perched on shrubs and smaller trees when searching for food or mates. The western pine elfin is rarely encountered outside its natural habitat. It feeds on flower nectar from sources including wild blueberries, milkweed, and clover. For reproduction, adults emerge after overwintering in the caterpillar stage, and have a single flight period in early spring from March to June. Females lay eggs at the base of new pine needles, and only one brood is produced per year. Mature larvae are 15 mm long; caterpillars have green heads, and their fine-haired bodies are velvet green with cream to yellow stripes. The larvae are defoliating, feeding on young pine needles until they enter hibernation in late July or August.
