Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Incisalia lanoraieensis
described in 1934 by Sheppard, who originally placed it in genus Incisalia
Size
wingspan reported as 22-24 mm at
nearctica.com and 16-19 mm at
CBIFIdentification
Adult: the smallest elfin, looks like Pine Elfin, but underside pattern is less clear, and trailing edge of hindwing can be frosted
Larva: tiny, body green with wide white stripe along side
Range
many bogs in Maine and southern Quebec, plus isolated locations in New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and eastern Ontario
Habitat
Black Spruce/Tamarack bogs; adults fly among the treetops and often perch on vegetation out of reach or inaccessible to photographers
Season
adults fly from mid-May to early June
Food
larvae feed on needles of
Black Spruce (
Picea mariana)
Life Cycle
one generation per year; overwinters as a pupa
Remarks
extremely rare and/or local, and hard to find; global rank G3 (threatened throughout its range)
See Also
Eastern Pine Elfin is larger, has bolder and more distinct markings, and is much more common
Internet References
detailed species account including description, distribution, larval foodplant, habits, habitat (Butterflies of Canada)
The Bog Elfin in Ontario; PDF doc detailed discussion beginning on page 13 (P.M. Catling
et al, Ontario Insects)
author, date, and original genus listed under
Incisalia (nearctica.com)
