American Copper
Common NameAmerican Copper
Scientific NameLycaena phlaeas americana
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyLycaeninae
Wingspan (mm)26
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, brown
HabitatMeadows, fields, roadsides, gardens, open woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America
Host PlantsRumex acetosella, Rumex crispus, Rumex obtusifolius
Flight PeriodApril to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are small, green, and slug-like, feeding on sorrel leaves before pupating in leaf litter or on the host plant. Multiple generations occur annually.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive bright coppery-orange forewings with black spots and the dark hindwings with a prominent orange marginal band. Its small size and rapid, low flight are also key indicators.
Description
A small butterfly with bright coppery-orange forewings marked with black spots and a dark border. The hindwings are dark brownish-grey with a prominent orange band along the outer edge, also featuring small black spots.
