There have been no population studies on the Frosted Elfin in Canada (COSEWIC 2000; Environment and Climate Change Canada 2017). frosted elfin habitat. Frosted Elfin once occurred statewide, but there has been no credible sighting since March 14, 1967 in Thomas County. Management Goals: 1) Short term – Restore frosted elfin habitat at this site using a scientific approach

Frosted Elfin (Callophrys irus ssp. Incisalia) Status in Canada: Extirpated Status in Ontario: Extirpated Status at SWCR: Extirpated It gets it’s frosted appearance from a scattering of pale coloured scales on the underside of its wings. In Massachusetts, the majority of this habitat is found in sandplain communities on the coastal plain. In NC, it also uses Lupinus diffusus, which occurs in Georgia. wild indigo). Surveys of the frosted elfin population at the FAA Technical Center were performed every year from 2003 to 2015. However, in May of 2004, only one frosted elfin male was seen. However, fire-related mortality over occupied habitats during burns would be expected near 100% because the larvae and pupae are above the soil surface year-round (Allen 1997) and are therefore very vulnerable to fire. Callophrys irus, the frosted elfin, is a species of Lycaenidae that is native to North America. The SWCR was home to the last Ontario population, and our efforts are now focused on restoring habitat in the hopes that it can someday return. Frosted elfin landing strips (a.k.a. frosted elfin population at this site had a Heritage Conservation Status Rank of “B”, indicating that it had “good estimated viability”. The population in the Coastal Plain used sundial lupine (Lupinus perennis) as its host. Some four years ago a Tufts University study caught and tagged frosted elfin here, estimating the population at 70. While frosted elfin is a rapid flier and good colonizer (Allen 1997), colonies tend to be small and suitable Mike Denisi/FAA.

When pressed for a guess as to the hill’s elfin population, Hopping says maybe 50. 26 Frosted Elfin Callophrys irus (Godart, 1824) Frosted Elfin is state-listed as a species of conservation concern. It turns out the frosted elfin population has nearly tripled in the pine barrens that were restored to save the Karner blues over the last 20 years. Background The frosted elfin is a non-migratory butterfly found in dry, sandy, relatively open habitats arising from natural or human induced disturbance 1,2.. Populations using Baptisia or wild indigo as a host plant are not rare in Massachusetts today, because climate warming, habitat restoration and more search effort have resulted in an increase.