western brown elfin ~ 03/09/14 ~ Pinnacles

western brown elfin

Callophrys augustinus (aka Incisalia augustinus iroides)

posted 03/20/14 - Eh, it's not as flashy as its Callophrys cousin, the bramble green hairstreak, but I'll take it anytime.  Upon closer inspection (click pic to enlarge), the pink and purple wing scales remind me of Claude Monet's Grainstack (Sunset).  Butterflies were impressionists way before the art movement.  Plus, orange antennal tips always slay me.  Dip your tips in orange, baby.