Eastern Pine Elfin – 5/7/14

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/7/14

Observation Time: 4:15 p.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond area (along the dirt road from the soccer fields to the dam)

Common Name: Eastern Pine Elfin

Scientific Name: Callophrys niphon

Comments: Males perch on tops of pine trees in the sun to find receptive females. Eggs are laid singly on new needles of young trees; caterpillars feed on the needles. Chrysalids hibernate and adults emerge in the spring.

More Information: Butterflies of Massachusetts