Callophrys fotis facts for kids

The Callophrys fotis is a small and interesting butterfly. It belongs to a group called Lycaenidae, which are often known as "gossamer-winged butterflies." This means they have delicate, almost see-through wings.

You might hear this butterfly called by many names, like the early elfin, desert elfin, or Fotis hairstreak. It lives in the southwestern United States. You can find it in places like California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico.

What Does This Butterfly Look Like?

This butterfly is quite small, with a wingspan of about 19 to 28 millimeters. That's less than an inch and a half!

Its top side (called the upperside) is gray. The bottom side (underside) is a brownish-gray color. The back wings, called hindwings, have a darker part near the body and a grayish or yellowish-gray tip.

Where Does the Early Elfin Live?

The Callophrys fotis butterfly loves to live in desert areas. It especially likes pinyon-juniper woodlands. These are forests with special pine and juniper trees.

These butterflies need specific plants to survive. Their favorite "host plants" are a type of shrub called Stansbury's cliffrose.

The Life Cycle of the Early Elfin

The life of the Callophrys fotis butterfly is quite fascinating.

• Eggs: Male butterflies wait on the plants for females. Once they find a mate, the female butterfly lays her tiny eggs on the flower buds of the host plants.
• Caterpillars: When the eggs hatch, out come the caterpillars! These hungry larvae eat the flowers and the developing fruits of the cliffrose plant.
• Winter Sleep: As winter approaches, the caterpillars change into a special resting stage called a pupa. They spend the whole winter hidden in the leaves and debris under the plant.
• Adults: When spring arrives, usually from March to May, the pupae transform into beautiful adult butterflies. They then fly around, looking for mates and starting the cycle all over again.