Edith's Copper
Common NameEdith's Copper
Scientific NameLycaena editha
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyLycaeninae
Wingspan (mm)27
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale brown, black, orange
HabitatHigh elevation meadows, open woodlands, subalpine areas
Geographic RangeWestern North America (British Columbia south to California, east to Montana, Wyoming, Colorado)
Host Plantsbuckwheat (Eriogonum spp.)
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, larvae feed on leaves, pupate, and emerge as adults. Overwinters as an egg or young larva.
Identification TipsKey features include the small size, pale underside with distinct black spots, and the orange submarginal band on the hindwing. The upperside, if visible, is coppery orange.
Description
A small butterfly with a pale grayish-brown underside marked with prominent black spots and a distinctive orange submarginal band on the hindwing. The upperside is typically coppery orange.
