New Jersey Butterfly Club

American Copper

Lycaena phlaeas

Identification: Tiny—1”. Sexes are similar. Above: FW bright orange with dark spots and outer border; HW grayish-brown with bright orange band along trailing edge. Below: FW bright orange with large dark spots and grayish outer margin; HW grayish with small dark spots, and a thin orange line near trailing edge. Similar species: Bronze Copper is noticeably larger, and most easily separated below by much wider orange band on trailing edge of HW.

NJ Status and Distribution: Resident. Locally common throughout NJ.

Habitat: Open, often disturbed, areas with the host plant. Attracted to gardens with flowers such as Butterfly Weed, Mountainmints, and Mistflower.

Flight Period: Early April to early November but most common in May, July, and again in late summer/early fall. Extreme dates: North Jersey 4/4-11/20; South Jersey 3/27-11/15.

Caterpillar Food Plants: Mainly Common Sheep Sorrel (Rumex acetosella), a common, naturalized plant of disturbed habitats, including lawns.

Overwintering Stage: Uncertain whether egg or pupa.

Good Locations: Sandy Hook GNRA, DWGNRA (Flatbrookville), Riverwinds Scenic Trail, Cape May Point SP, Medford Leas, Colliers Mills WMA.

Comments: Prefers to nectar on yellow, white, and light purple/violet flowers. When fresh, this little jewel never fails to impress novices and jaded experts alike.