Eastern Pine and Frosted Elfins at Karner Blue, USFWS Karner Blue Easement, Concord, NH

[Patricia Wood]

NH Butterfly Enthusiasts, 

I have just posted two observations into iNat from my walk at USFWS Karner Blue Easement, Concord, NH, today. One is potentially the Eastern Pine Elfin and the other is the Frosted Elfin. I am just using my two guides — A Swift Guide to Butterflies and Kaufman Field Guide to Butterflies of North America. I am hoping I picked up on all the identifying characteristics of both species! 

Please left me know what you think … here is the link: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=any&user_id=pattiwood&verifiable=any

Best, 

Patti Wood

[Steve Mirick]

Hi Patti and all.  

Your 2nd butterfly is also a Frosted Elfin.  The rear of the hind-wing is the key spot to focus on.  It is frosted with white scales on the Frosted Elfin, but the Eastern Pine Elfin doesn't have this.  The Eastern Pine Elfin has a dark, broken, jagged submarginal band instead at this spot.  See attached image.

Steve Mirick
Bradford, MA

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[Patricia Wood]

Hi Steve and all,

Thank you so very much! I appreciate you’re taking the time to point out the correct i.d. of the 2nd butterfly. I was surprised to see two things at the conservation site: two beautiful butterflies of a cool and breezy day and Bill Gette, former Sanctuary Director at Joppa Flats of Mass Audubon. I am pleased to have found the Frosted Elfin!

Take care,

Patti Wood

Exeter

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<Comparison of Elfins.jpg>