Brown Elfins are uncommon and local in North Carolina, normally found on xeric hillsides with lots of lowbush blueberries (Vaccinium spp.). The one at left, however, had wandered down the slope quite a way to nectar on Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica) near the Eno River.

Occoneechee Mountain, Orange Co., NC 4/4/09.

This battered Brown Elfin was hilltopping along with a couple of Henry's Elfins at the peak of Occoneechee. The common host plant here is Early Lowbush Blueberry (Vaccinium pallidum)

Occoneechee Mountain, Orange Co., NC 4/4/09.

The most similar species are Henry's Elfins and Frosted Elfin, which both have short tails, lacking in Brown Elfin.

Weymouth Woods, Moore Co., NC 3/14/07.

This one is nectaring on the very rare creeping subshrub Sandhills Pyxie-moss (Pyxidanthera brevifolia)

Moore Co., NC 3/14/07.

Occoneechee Mountain, Orange Co., NC 4/4/09.

The four below were photographed on 18 April 2004 at one of the most reliable spots for them, the appropriately named Brown Elfin Trail at Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area in Orange County, NC.

Ron Gatrelle says this one is a female.

The first three butterflies photographed here were part of a group of five that acted like males, perching on Bracken Fern (Pteridium aquilinum) leaves and chasing each other about.

A third individual in the group of five. Note the purplish flecking -- this is a fresh one, which is surprising considering the late date.

This one is one of its host plants, Vaccinium pallidum (formerly called V. vacillans). It acted like it was ovipositing on the blueberry. Ron Gatrelle says this one is a male, since it seems to have a oval scent patch along leading edge of forewing.