Callophrys polios explained

Callophrys polios, the hoary elfin, is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae.^[1] It is listed as a species of special concern and believed extirpated in the US state of Connecticut.^[2]

The wingspan is 22–29 mm. 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.^[3] Hibernation takes place as a chrysalid.

Subspecies

• Callophrys polios polios
• Callophrys polios obscura Ferris & Fisher, 1973 (Colorado)
• Callophrys polios maritima Emmel, Emmel & Mattoon, 1998 (California)

Notes and References

1. http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Callophrys-polios Butterflies and Moths of North America
2. http://www.ct.gov/deep/lib/deep/wildlife/pdf_files/nongame/ets15.pdf "Connecticut's Endangered, Threatened and Special Concern Species 2015"
3. Web site: Hoary Elfin Callophrys polios (Cook & Watson, 1907) | Butterflies and Moths of North America.