Copper
Guides
Hydropsyche californica
Hydropsyche californica is a species of net-spinning caddisfly (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) described by Banks in 1899. It inhabits freshwater benthic environments and has been extensively studied as a bioindicator for metal contamination in aquatic ecosystems, particularly in relation to mine drainage. Research has demonstrated its utility for monitoring cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc exposure in rivers.
Lycaena dione
grey copper, great copper
Lycaena dione, commonly known as the grey copper or great copper, is a butterfly species in the family Lycaenidae. First described by Samuel Hubbard Scudder in 1868, this species is distributed across central North America from southern Canada to Texas. Adults are active from mid-June through July or August, with a wingspan ranging from 24 to 38 mm. The species is sometimes treated as a subspecies of Lycaena xanthoides, reflecting ongoing taxonomic debate.
Lycaena dorcas florus
Lycaena dorcas florus is a subspecies of copper butterfly described by W.H. Edwards in 1884. It belongs to a genus of butterflies commonly known as coppers, characterized by their orange-copper wing coloration. The subspecies is currently classified under the genus Epidemia, though historically placed in Lycaena. Like many grassland-associated butterflies, it faces pressures from habitat loss and climate change.
Lycaena gorgon
gorgon copper
Lycaena gorgon, commonly known as the gorgon copper, is a butterfly species in the family Lycaenidae native to western North America. It is distinguished by sexual dimorphism in wing coloration and has a single annual brood. The species is closely associated with its host plant Eriogonum nudum and inhabits foothill environments including chaparral, woodland, and canyon habitats. Its distribution is centered in California with records extending into adjacent regions.
Lycaena mariposa
Mariposa copper
Lycaena mariposa, the mariposa copper, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It occurs in western North America, where adults are active in mid-summer. The species has a wingspan of 23–28 mm and exhibits the copper-orange coloration typical of its genus. Larvae feed on specific host plants including Vaccinium arbuscula and Polygonum douglasii. Two subspecies are recognized: L. m. penroseae and L. m. charlottensis.
Lycaena phlaeas
small copper, American copper, common copper
Lycaena phlaeas is a holarctic butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as the small copper or American copper. It is widespread across Europe, Asia, North America, and North Africa. The species is notable for its bright orange forewings with dark borders and black spots. It has been identified as a generalist species that shows resilience to habitat degradation, with populations in Germany demonstrating a positive trend in the Grassland Butterfly Index despite overall declines in grassland butterfly populations.
Lycaena rubida
Ruddy Copper
Lycaena rubida, the Ruddy Copper, is a North American butterfly species in the family Lycaenidae. It belongs to a genus whose members are commonly known as coppers, characterized by orange-copper coloration on the upper wing surfaces. The species inhabits western North America, where it is associated with grassland and open habitats. Like other Lycaena species, it has been affected by broader population declines documented across western North American butterfly faunas.
Lycaena xanthoides
great copper
Lycaena xanthoides, the great copper, is a butterfly species in the family Lycaenidae found in North America. The species has experienced significant regional population 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 pesticide exposure, particularly neonicotinoids.