Western Brown Elfin (Callophrys augustinus iroides) is a small butterfly, with a wingspan of 0.875 to 1.125 inches. An early-season butterfly, it is seen in our local area from the middle of March through June. Numbers peak in April. Host plants include Manzanita (Arctostaphylos), Madrone (Arbutus), Dodder (Cuscuta), Soap Plant (Chlorogalum), and Ceanothus.
In the Garden, males are usually seen nectaring, or perched on Manzanita waiting for females. This butterfly is almost never seen with open wings.
As the name suggests, it is primarily a west coast subspecies, found from British Columbia to California.
Closed (photo by Bart O'Brien)
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