Lycaena hermes
(W.H. Edwards, 1870)
Hermes Copper
The Hermes is a rare to southern California, currently classified under the Lycaena ( Lycaenidae). It is considered to be in danger of global extinction according to long-term monitoring data. The species has experienced severe declines attributed to loss, climate change, and use, particularly neonicotinoids.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Lycaena hermes: /lɨˈsiː.nə ˈhɜːr.miːz/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Distribution
to southern California, United States.
Human Relevance
The Hermes serves as a flagship for conservation efforts in North America. Its precarious status has been highlighted in scientific literature to demonstrate the broader pattern of butterfly decline across the United States, where monitoring data show a roughly 20 percent decrease in butterfly over 24 years.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- Where Are All the Butterflies? | Bug Squad
- Mary Louise Flint's Article in The Acorn: 'Butterflies in Decline' | Bug Squad
- Over a century later, the mystery of the Alfred Wallace’s butterfly is solved | Blog
- Grassland butterflies: important indicators of the state of nature
- Two New Species of Butterfly Accidentally Discovered in Eastern USA
- Bugs in love, lovebugs and kissin bugs — Bug of the Week