Latin Name:  Incisalia augustinus Westwood, 1852
                        (R. Bercha, det.)

Wingspan:  22 - 28 mm

Range:  Alberta

Habitat:  Pine and spruce forests and locally in the aspen parkland and prairie near host plants

Time of year seen:  Mid April - early July

Preferred Flowers:

Caterpillars Diet: Flowers and fruits of Bearberry, Labrador Tea, Bilberry, Blueberry and Huckleberry

Other:  The Brown Elfin is a widespread species found across Canada.  The adults are out early in the spring and continue to be on the wing until early July.  Female butterflies lay their eggs on the flower bud of a host plant.  Once the eggs hatch the caterpillars eat their way into the flower bud and eventually consume the immature fruit.  Upon reaching maturity the caterpillar pupates and over winters in the ground below the host plant, emerging in the spring. (Bird et al, 1995)