The Holly Elfin
Henry's Elfin (Callophrys henrici) is a spring butterfly, very small and looking like a tiny teddybear. It is the first elfin to be on the wing, at a time when the landscape is still gray and brown.
Native hollies are the preferred larval host plant in the coastal areas and American Holly (Ilex opaca) is the choice in Maryland. In the mountains, however, it is the deciduous native Redbud (Cercis canadensis) that's used by Henry's larvae.
Some individuals whose larva feed on the evergreen holly show distinctly green highlights on their wings.
Henry's Elfin (Callophrys henrici) Charles County, Maryland
The Holly Elfin
Henry's Elfin (Callophrys henrici) is a spring butterfly, very small and looking like a tiny teddybear. It is the first elfin to be on the wing, at a time when the landscape is still gray and brown.
Native hollies are the preferred larval host plant in the coastal areas and American Holly (Ilex opaca) is the choice in Maryland. In the mountains, however, it is the deciduous native Redbud (Cercis canadensis) that's used by Henry's larvae.
Some individuals whose larva feed on the evergreen holly show distinctly green highlights on their wings.
Henry's Elfin (Callophrys henrici) Charles County, Maryland