Copper-butterfly
Guides
Lycaena cupreus
Lustrous Copper
Lycaena cupreus, commonly known as the Lustrous Copper, is a butterfly species in the family Lycaenidae native to the western mountains of North America. The species was first described by Edwards in 1870 under the basionym Chrysophanus cupreus. It belongs to a genus of copper butterflies that are frequently used as indicators of environmental change and habitat quality. The Lustrous Copper is part of the diverse Lycaena genus, which includes species showing varying population trends in response to climate change and land use pressures.
Lycaena dorcas claytoni
Clayton's Copper
Lycaena dorcas claytoni is a subspecies of copper butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It belongs to the dorcas copper complex, a group of closely related taxa distributed across North America. The subspecies was described by A.E. Brower in 1940. Like other members of the genus Epidemia (formerly placed in Lycaena), this taxon is associated with wetland habitats and larval host plants in the genus Polygonum.
Lycaena dorcas dorcas
Lycaena dorcas dorcas is a subspecies of copper butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. The species is currently classified under the genus Epidemia, though historically treated under Lycaena. The subspecies is part of a taxon with a complex taxonomic history involving multiple genus-level reassignments.
Lycaena dospassosi
maritime copper, saltmarsh copper
Lycaena dospassosi is a small copper butterfly endemic to eastern Canada, restricted to coastal saltmarsh habitats where its larval foodplant Argentina egedei grows. First described in 1940 by James McDunnough, it was originally treated as a subspecies of L. dorcas but is now recognized as a valid species. The butterfly has a wingspan of 25–31 mm and flies from late July to mid-August. Adults nectar on sea lavender (Limonium carolinianum).
Lycaena nivalis
lilac-bordered copper, nivalis copper
Lycaena nivalis is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, known as the lilac-bordered copper or nivalis copper. It inhabits the western mountains of North America. Adults are active during mid-summer, with a flight period from July to mid-August. The species has a wingspan of 25–29 mm. Two subspecies are recognized: L. n. nivalis and L. n. browni.
Lycaena rubida ferrisi
Ferris's Ruddy Copper
Lycaena rubida ferrisi is a subspecies of the Ruddy Copper butterfly, a member of the family Lycaenidae. As a subspecies of Lycaena rubida, it belongs to a group of copper butterflies characterized by orange-copper coloration on the upper wing surfaces. The subspecies epithet 'ferrisi' honors entomologist Gordon Ferris. Specific details distinguishing this subspecies from the nominate form are not well-documented in the provided sources.