When this little butterfly flew by me last week at Prince William Forest Park, it looked a bit like a nondescript brown moth. However, when it landed on the ground and I was able to zoom in on it, I was amazed by its variety of colors, textures, and markings. I was pretty sure that I had never seen one like this. When I returned home, I did some searching on the internet and concluded that this is a Henry’s Elfin butterfly (Callophrys henrici).
Every time I use the butterfly’s name, I smile, because there is just something whimsical about the word “elfin.” I love the idea of magical woodland creatures that blend in so well with their surroundings that you have to look carefully to spot them.
I encourage you to click on the image to see all of this creature’s wonderful markings, including the little white stripes on its antennae and legs and the beautiful scalloped edges of its wings.
Keep your eyes open today and you too may spot some magically whimsical creatures.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Oh so fun to have this close-up of the elfin butterfly, Michael. I took your advice and clicked on it and saw all the little details. Those lines you spoke of, and some fun spots of blue on the edges, too. Thank you.
Thanks so much, Jet. It is always wonderful when someone uses the word “fun” in describing one of my blog postings. I sure have fun putting them together, never knowing for sure if I will go off on a tangent or not. I’m happy that you looked closely at the image. Each spring I dust my macro lens off after using a long telephoto zoom lens for birds and rediscover the joys of the macro world.
Your lovely photo and commentary have made me smile for more than one reason! First reason : when this post was found amidst my inbox the title appeared as “Herny’s Elfin Butterfly” and I knew that was misspelled. That said, it is only now that I opened today’s post to peruse…only to discover that herein it has been corrected by yourself. Second reason : I am familiar with this elfin butterfly because it has appeared at Benjamin’s home in Massachusetts. I was told, by a reliable source, that this is most likely due to Common Buckthorn plants that are found in the woods on two sides of the house. Third reason : How could one not smile whilst viewing and reading your blog? I always do! “Happiness is like a butterfly; the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder.” – Unknown. Total aside : this quote (first seen in the 1970’s) has been wrongfully attributed to another Henry, Henry David Thoreau! Thank-YOU, Mr. Mike!!
Thanks so much for your kind words, Ellen. I caught the misspelling in the title shortly after I pressed the button to publish the posting. It is so cool that you are familiar with this butterfly, which was new to me. I love the quotation that you cited, irrespective of its origin. I spent time chasing butterflies yesterday, including a very skittish Zebra Swallowtail and an equally elusive Black Swallowtail. It’s hard for me to sit and wait. The only time I recall a butterfly on my shoulder was when I was in an indoor butterfly garden and the butterfly was attracted to my sweat-soaked shoulder. 🙂