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Life Stages Diagram
The bars in this diagram show approximate times of the year when the butterfly will be present, in Nova Scotia, in its various life stages.

The dates shown for the adult stage are based on actual reports for Nova Scotia. The majority of reports will be within the period shown, but small numbers of adults will be earlier or later.

Dates for egg, larva and pupa are based on what information was available regarding time periods for eggs to develop, and typical time required for pupation. Like the adults, some records can be expected outside the date ranges we have shown. We caution that dates for these immature stages are mostly conjectural.

Brown Elfin - Callophrys augustinus
[Brown Elfin image]
Brown Elfin - Mount Uniacke, NS - 2011-06-08
Photo © Jim Edsall
What's this?
Status in Nova Scotia
Usually widespread and fairly common.

Flight Period
Early May to mid-June

Habitat
Acid bogs, barrens, conifer woods.

Larval Foodplants
Heaths (Ericaceae) such as Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.), Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursae), Leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata) and Labrador Tea (Ledum groenlandicum).

Similar Species in Nova Scotia
Superficially similar to all of our Elfins, but distinguished by a relatively plain brown or reddish-brown underwing colour.

Further Reading


Brown Elfin - Pockwock, NS, 2004-05-13
Brown Elfin - Pockwock, NS - 2004-05-13
2004-05-13
Photo © Peter Payzant
Brown Elfin - Uniacke Estate Museum Park, 2011-06-17
Brown Elfin - Uniacke Estate Museum Park - 2011-06-17
2011-06-17
Photo © Phil Schappert