Lustrous Copper
Common NameLustrous Copper
Scientific NameLycaena cupreus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyLycaeninae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, grey, black
HabitatAlpine meadows, subalpine meadows, open coniferous forests, rocky slopes
Geographic RangeWestern North America (Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains)
Host PlantsOxyria digyna, Rumex
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants; larvae feed on leaves. Overwinters as an egg or young larva, with one generation per year.
Identification TipsKey features include the bright orange upper hindwings with a black border, and the distinctive greyish-white underside with numerous black spots and an orange submarginal band on the forewing.
Description
A small butterfly with bright coppery-orange upper hindwings bordered in black, and a greyish-white underside heavily marked with black spots. The forewing underside also features an orange submarginal band.
