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The Eastern Pine Elfin is one of two species of butterflies whose caterpillars feed on the needles of pine trees in the Algonquin Highlands. The other species is the Western Pine Elfin. These two are very similar in colouring and markings as well. The Eastern Pine has dark brown wings with dark borders, whereas the Western Pine has paler borders. Both have undersides that have dark, jagged bands, that make the edges appear scalloped. The wing span ranges from 1.9-3.5 cm. They are in flight from April to early June.
Eggs are laid singly on new needles of young pine trees. Larvae are transparent green with longitudinal white stripes and behind its head. The adult stage drinks nectar of flowers, such as Blueberry, Clover, and Common Milkweed.
You will find them in forest openings and woodland edges of small to medium-sized pine trees.
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EASTERN PINE ELFIN
Incisalia niphon
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