Frosted Elfin Landowner Guide

A guide for landowners on the frosted elfin (Callophrys irus irus), including information on identification, life history, and habitat restoration recommendations.

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Fact Sheet
Program
A rocky shoreline of a river. The water is calm. Mist and green branches line the river.
The Ecological Services Program works to restore and protect healthy populations of fish, wildlife, and plants and the environments upon which they depend. Using the best available science, we work with federal, state, Tribal, local, and non-profit stakeholders, as well as private land owners, to...
Species
Silvery brown butterfly perched on a stem

The frosted elfin was originally described as Polyommatus irus by Jean-Baptiste Godart in 1824, (Johnson 1991, p. 153). The current name is Callophrys irus, and it was previously assigned to the genus Incisalia (Scudder). The similar looking Henry’s elfin (C. henrici) was not described until...

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Ecosystem
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Pollinators
FWS and DOI Region(s)