American Copper
Lycaena hypophlaeas (Linnaeus, 1761)
Family: Lycaenidae
Status: Uncommon resident
NENHP Rank: S1S2 Tier 2
Range: L. phlaeas is found in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. In North America the species has a curious disjointed distribution, being found in most of the northeastern quarter of the United States and southeastern Canada, in Alaska and portions of British Columbia and Alberta, in northern and eastern portions of the Northwest Territories, and in isolated populations in mountainous regions of the western U. S. In Nebraska most records are from the sandhills or the eastern portion of the state.
Larval Hostplant(s): Various docks (Rumex species).
Broods/Flight Times: Multiple broods from late May to mid-September.
Overwintering: As pupae.
Habitat: Mostly wet road ditches but occasionally open upland areas that do not appear to have any special distinguishing characteristics.
Avg. Wingspan: 7/8 – 1 3/8 inches
Found at: Willow Creek SRA, North Loup River @ Brewster, Taylor Prairie, Calamus Fish Hatchery
Similar Species: Purplish Copper
Notes:
American Copper, Matthew Brust
