Wing span: 2.4-3.0 cm.

Flight time: Mid to late-April.

Status: Breeding resident.

Distinguishing features: Henry's Elfin is brown above with a golden cast in the limbal area of the hindwing. Below, wing color is dark brown on the medial area basal to the body. A jagged line separates this region from the discal and limbal areas that are greenish-tan with gray overscaling at the margin. There is a row of small brown spots in the center of the limbal area. The hindwing margin is scalloped to tail.

Distribution and habitat: Apparently scattered and rare in the southern third of the state where it occurs in woodlands.

Natural History: Larvae consume redbud (Cercis canadensis). Pupae stages diapause through summer and winter and are capable of sound production (as are most hairstreaks). Adults fly only in the immediate vicinity of redbud trees. This species may be overlooked in Iowa, owing to its very early and short flight, and strict restriction to native redbud stands.