Bronze Copper
Common NameBronze Copper
Scientific NameLycaena hyllus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyLycaeninae
Wingspan (mm)38
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, white
HabitatWet meadows, marshes, bogs, and along stream banks
Geographic RangeNorth America, from southern Canada south through the Great Lakes region and eastern U.S. to the Appalachians, and west to the Great Plains.
Host PlantsRumex orbiculatus, Rumex crispus, Rumex verticillatus
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the leaves of host plants. Larvae feed on various dock species, and the species typically overwinters as a pupa, producing two broods per year.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the bright orange upperside with black spots, and especially the pale gray/white hindwing underside with black spots and a strong orange submarginal band. Males are more uniformly orange on the upperside than females.
Description
This medium-sized copper butterfly features bright orange uppersides with prominent black spots. The hindwing underside is pale gray to white, marked with numerous black spots and a distinctive orange submarginal band.
