Lycaena xanthoides

(Boisduval, 1852)

great copper

Lycaena xanthoides, the great copper, is a in the Lycaenidae found in North America. The species has experienced significant regional declines in California, with documented disappearance from low-elevation sites between Chico and Stockton by 2005. Research indicates it is among multiple butterfly species declining due to climate change and exposure, particularly neonicotinoids.

Lycaena xanthoides by Andy Kleinhesselink. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lycaena xanthoides: /lɪˈsiːnə zænˈθɔɪdiːz/

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Distribution

North America; historically present in central and northern California including the Sacramento Valley, with records from Chico to Stockton and low-elevation Sierra Nevada foothills.

Human Relevance

The has been extensively monitored by UC Davis researcher Art Shapiro since 1972 as part of one of the largest monitoring datasets in North America. Its regional extinction from low-elevation California sites has been cited as evidence of broader butterfly declines linked to climate change and use.

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