Mariposa Copper
Common NameMariposa Copper
Scientific NameLycaena mariposa
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyLycaeninae
Wingspan (mm)28
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, gray
HabitatSubalpine meadows, open coniferous forests, bogs, fens
Geographic RangeWestern North America (Cascades, Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains)
Host PlantsVaccinium spp.
Flight PeriodMid-July to early September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed exclusively on plants of the genus Vaccinium; the species typically overwinters in the egg stage.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the distinct orange and black spotted upperside combined with the pale, subtly spotted underside of the hindwings, found primarily in high-elevation Vaccinium habitats.
Description
This small butterfly features bright orange forewings with prominent black spots on the upperside, while the underside of the hindwings is a pale grayish-tan with scattered black spots.
