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Hoary elfin

Hoary elfin

Callophrys polios

A species of Green hairstreaks

Callophrys polios, the hoary elfin, is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae. It has a very local distribution in the United States from Maine south to New Jersey and in the Appalachian Mountains to Virginia, west across the Great Lakes states and the southern prairie provinces and north to Alaska. Along the Pacific Coast it is found to northern California and in the Rocky Mountains south to northern New Mexico. It is listed as a species of special concern and believed extirpated in the US state of Connecticut. The wingspan is 22–29 mm. The upperside is orangish brown and the underside brown. The forewing outer margin is frosted white and has an irregular postmedian line, which is white. The outer half of the hindwing is frosted light gray. Adults are on wing from April to June in one generation. The larvae feed on Arctostaphylos uva-ursi and possibly Epigaea repens. The adults feed on flower nectar from various species, including leatherleaf, pyxie, wild strawberry and willow. Hibernation takes place as a chrysalid.

General Info About Hoary elfin
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Attributes of Hoary elfin
Habitat
open sunny glade; rocky ridge; dune; forest edge; bog
Adult Food Sources
Wild buckwheat (eriogonum species), yarrow (achillea species), milkweed (asclepias species), thistles (cirsium species), red clover (trifolium pratense)
Larva Food Source
Buckthorn (rhamnus species), ceanothus species, dyer's greenweed (genista tinctoria), milkvetch (astragalus species), new jersey tea (ceanothus americanus)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Hoary elfin is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Hoary elfin feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
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Species Status of Hoary elfin
Scarce
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Distribution Area of Hoary elfin
United States, Pacific Coast
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Life Cycle of Hoary elfin
Egg The egg stage for a hoary elfin starts with the oviposition on host plants. The eggs are tiny, rounded, and may be colored to blend with the foliage. During this period, embryonic development takes place inside, preparing for the larval stage.
Larva Upon hatching, the hoary elfin enters its larval stage, characterized by a voracious appetite for host plant leaves. The larvae showcase significant growth across several molts, each time enlarging and potentially changing colors for better camouflage.
Pupal The hoary elfin forms a chrysalis during the pupal stage. This is a restive phase with massive internal reorganization, transforming from a caterpillar to an adult. The chrysalis may exhibit cryptic coloration for defense against predators.
Adult Emerging from the chrysalis, the adult hoary elfin's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Predators of Hoary elfin Larvae
Ants, wasps, spiders, birds, rodents
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Scientific Classification of Hoary elfin
Tips for Finding Hoary elfin
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Youth Habitat of Hoary elfin
Forests and Woodlands
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Adult Habitat of Hoary elfin
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Savannas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Hoary elfin
For mature hoary elfin, sweet substances such as overripe fruit or artificial nectar can be used as bait in traps because adult hoary elfin feed on nectar. For caterpillars, host plants specific to hoary elfin larvae should be located.
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Habitat Preferences of Hoary elfin Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of hoary elfin are typically laid on the host plant, near flowers or on the underside of leaves, making gardens or meadows with abundant host vegetation ideal locations for egg searching. Larvae, once hatched, reside on or near the host plants, consuming leaves and flowers, requiring a careful examination of host plants in their habitat, such as sunny woodland edges. Pupae may be found in litter at the base of the host plants or camouflaged on stems, thus sifting through leaf litter or scrutinizing plant stems in these areas could be fruitful. Adults generally frequent the vicinity of nectar sources like flowering shrubs, so visiting areas with diverse, blooming flora enhances the likelihood of sighting them.
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How and Where Can You Find Hoary elfin at Different Life Stages
Egg Hoary elfin eggs are often laid on the host plants. Check the undersides of leaves or near flower buds of known host plants specific to hoary elfin.
Larva Hoary elfin caterpillars are found on or near their host plants. Look for signs of feeding, like chewed leaves, and examine the plant thoroughly.
Pupal Hoary elfin chrysalides may be attached to host plants or nearby structures. Search for them by carefully inspecting stems, leaves, and even the ground in the vicinity of host plants.
Adult To find adult hoary elfin, seek areas with abundant flowers, as they will be feeding on nectar. Observe quietly and look for hoary elfin fluttering from flower to flower in sunny, sheltered areas.
Are Hoary elfin harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Hoary elfin
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Hurt Plant

When hoary elfin is present in its larval stage, it poses a threat to plant health by feeding on the leaves of host plants, leading to mild levels of damage which typically manifests as holes or missing tissue on leaves.

More Effects of Hoary elfin

Beneficial Effects of Hoary elfin
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Asteraceae
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Hoary elfin visits a range of flowers, with a penchant for Asteraceae. Attracted by their vibrant color and distinctive shape, hoary elfin consumes pollen for nourishment. While feeding, pollen is inadvertently transferred, aiding in the pollination of plants — a delightful example of mutual benefit in nature.
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