Western Pine Elfin, Callophrys eryphon. Caterpillars feed on young needles of hard pines including lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), limber pine (P. flexilis), and ponderosa pine (P. ponderosa).
The juniper hairstreak or olive hairstreak, Callophrys gryneusis, is a small butterfly native to North America. It belongs in the family Lycaenidae - t so-called "gossamer-winged butterflies" which represent about 30% of the known butterfly species. The family is traditionally divided into the subfamilies of the blues (Polyommatinae), the coppers (Lycaeninae), the hairstreaks (Theclinae) and the harvesters (Miletinae). Adults are small, under 5 cm usually, and brightly coloured, sometimes with a metallic gloss.
Polygonia gracilis, the hoary comma butterfly, so called because of a comma-shaped mark on the ventral surface of the hind wings, belongs to the family Nymphalidae. The ragged notches on the edges of the forewings are characteristic of the genus Polygonia, commonly referred to as anglewing butterflies. Comma butterflies can be identified by their prominent orange and dark brown/black markings on the upper side of their wings. Both the caterpillars and adults exhibit protective camouflage, mimicking bird droppings and fallen leaves, respectively. During the later stages of development, the larvae also develop strong spines along their backs. Various species of comma are commonly found in Europe, North Africa, and Asia well. Although the comma is not migratory, the butterflies are strong fliers, and have wide distribution and variation.
