Page 149 - The Book of Caterpillars: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species From Around the World

BUTTERFLY CATERPILLARS

FAMILY Lycaenidae
DIS TRIBUTION Southern Canada, western United States
DISTRIBUTION
DISTRIBUTION
HABIT A T Openings in coniferous forests
HABITAT
HABITAT
HOS T PLANT S Pine (Pinus spp.)
HOST PLANTS
HOST PLANTS
NOTE
TE
NOTE Wonderfully cryptic caterpillar that is found among pine needles
NO
CONSERVATION STATUS
CONSERV
TION S
A
CONSERVATION STATUS Not evaluated, but common and secure within its range
T
TUS
A
ADULT WINGSPAN
1–1³∕₁₆ in (25–30 mm)
CATERPILLAR LENGTH
⁹∕₁₆ in (15 mm)
CALLOPHRYS ERYPHON
WESTERN PINE ELFIN 147
(BOISDUVAL, 1852)

Western Pine Elfin caterpillars hatch from eggs laid singly
on the soft, new-growth branch tips of the host trees. The eggs
are typically tucked deep into a crevice close to the base of a
slanted pine needle. The first instar feeds on new-growth Actual size
needles at the pine branch tips, mining the surface initially,
then consuming the needles. Yellow frass is produced in great
quantities by the caterpillars and may betray their presence.
However, they are colored and striped identically to the host
needles, which creates superb camouflage. The larvae are
solitary and do not make nests.

The caterpillars develop from egg hatch to pupation in 33 to The Western Pine El n caterpillar is forest

39 days, and the pupae overwinter. The adults eclose and fly green to dark green with four, bold, contrasting,
white stripes dorsally and laterally. The body is
in spring. Males emerge before females and are territorial, nely covered with tan-colored setae, and the
returning repeatedly to the same perching spot; they also like head is green. The spiracles are also tan colored.
Early instars are cinnamon brown with less
to sip moisture from damp soil and puddles. The Western Pine distinct striping.

Elfin may occur occasionally on fir, spruce, and larch trees.