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Western Pine Elfin

Callophrys eryphon

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48.5649, -123.469

Field Notes

Description:

Green and yellow caterpillar. Looks like it's filled with jelly :)
The lighting makes the cat appear as if there is some turquoise on it as well in spots.
The fourth image shows a band of white jelly across the nose.

Habitat:

Sidewalk at Butchart Gardens

Reference Links:

Callophrys e. eryphon (Boisduval, 1852)

Species ID Suggestions

Western Pine Elfin

Callophrys eryphon

Reference Link
bayucca
2

Comments (14)
Sckel
lovely lemon gelatin
CindyBinghamKeiser
Wow, thank you for all your help bayucca and comments LuckyLogan, Sergio, Lauren and Marta! I'll update the ID now. :)
The MnMs
Nice catterpillar! seems like you got a possible ID for it :-)
LaurenZarate
What an amazing caterpillar! It does look like jello and candy - a Gummy Cat!
bayucca
I was actually looking for a Western Pine Elfin, after finding an Eastern on ob bugguide, but there was nothing?? http://bugguide.net/node/view/63971 Going a little bit deeper I found some pictures of Western Pine Elfin and it looks like being a match, but nevertheless, please, verify yourself and do not forget to check some other Lycaenidae. http://tidcf.nrcan.gc.ca/insects/factsheet/1000008 http://butterfliesofamerica.com/callophrys_e_eryphon_immatures1.htm http://butterfliesofamerica.com/callophrys_e_eryphon_immatures2.htm http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Callophrys-eryphon http://www.cbif.gc.ca/spp_pages/butterflies/species/WesternPineElfin_e.php http://tidcf.nrcan.gc.ca/insects/factsheet/1000008 http://www.wildutah.us/html/butterflies_moths/lycaenidae/h_b_callophrys_eryphon_eryphon_larva.html
bayucca
Lycaenidae. Closest match Callophrys gryneus, but I am not sure, not even about the genus or subfamily. Very variable caties durung their stages. Take it as a hint! http://bugguide.net/node/view/3030 http://bugguide.net/node/view/3029/bgpage?from=0

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Caterpillars and larvae of the World
Mission
National Geographic's Great Nature Project
Mission
The Bug Chicks Sofa Safari

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Photographed
PublishedAugust 11, 2013

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