The Henry’s Elfin has a wingspan of 0.8 to 1.1 inches. The basal half of the underside of both wings is darker than the outer half. The forewing below has a fairly straight postmedian line and is brown at the margin. The hindwing below is frosted at the margin and the postmedian line is white at both ends. There are 2 short, thick tails on the hindwing. Both wings are dark brown above. The larva is light green with a lighter green dorsal line and oblique lateral stripes. The color changes to a reddish-brown a few days before pupating. It grows to approximately .75 inch.
Henry’s Elfin is uncommon in Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods around Redbuds and plums. Adults fly from April through May. The butterflies take nectar from redbud flowers and other early blooming flowers.
The larvae eat the flowers, fruits and probably leaves of Redbud, Wild Plum and others. At any one locality the larva usually eats a single plant species, but over its range it uses a variety of plants. The species overwinters as a pupa.
Disclaimer: The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Babs Padelford.