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American Copper
Lycaena phlaeas
Size:
Wingspan is
7/8 - 1 1/8 inches.
Similar Species:
Harvester
Bronze Copper (much larger)
Bog Copper (in bogs only)
Habitat:
Disturbed open fields, power line cuts and vacant lots. Open places that
have an abundance of its host plants docks and Sheep Sorrel Rumex
acetosella.
Range/Abundance:
Common to local in the northern mountains, uncommon to rare in the southern
and central mountains. Possibly overlooked because it`s so tiny.
Flight Period:
Adults fly from late March until late August in three broods with gaps
between broods.
Larval Host Plants:
Sheep Sorrel Rumex acetosella and Curly Dock Rumex crispus.
Comments:
Even though it is called American
Copper it is believed to have been introduced to eastern North America
from Europe.
One of the best places to find good numbers of these tiny butterflies
is along the Blue Ridge Parkway at the entrance to Linville Falls in NC.
The top photo was taken at Doughton Park in Allegheny
Co., NC on July 28, 2002. The center and bottom photos were taken in Avery
Co., NC on May 11, 2000.
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Species List > Coppers
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