ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Butterflies and Skippers - Frosted Elfin

 Frosted Elfin


Photo by Jim McCormac		 The frosted elfin is another of Ohio's endagered butterlies that feeds on blue lupine. It was never totally eliminated from the Oak Openings, and seems to be doing better with increased stands of its larval host, due to Karner blue conservation efforts. In the future, captive-reared adults will be released at TNC's Kitty Todd Nature Preserve in an attempt to increase the Oak Openings frosted elfin population.

Frosted Elfin
Incisalia irus

At-a-Glance

• Flight Period: May and June

• Wings: 1 - 1.25 inches 

• Ohio Status: Endangered   
Description
The frosted elfin is a butterfly that has a frosted or gray ventral hindwing. It also has a brown streaked upperside and a variegated grey and brown underside. It posseses a short tail on the hindwing, and a dark spot above the tail, at the base of the hindwing.

Habitat and Habits
The frosted elfin inhabits oak savannas with blue lupine. In Ohio, it currently exists only in Lucas County.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
This species is usually seen flying around and landing on blue lupine. They only lay their eggs on the flowers of the lupine. The larvae feed on the flowers and developing seed pods of this plant.