New Jersey Butterfly Club

Bog Copper

Lycaena epixanthe

Identification: Tiny—0.9". Sexes similar below. Above: Dull gray-brown with dark spots on both wings and an irregular band of orange spots near edge of HW. Male has fewer spots on FW than female, and when fresh may display purplish iridescence. Below: Both wings pale, often yellowish, with many dark spots and a jagged orange line near edge of HW. Similar species: Bronze Copper is much larger, and both American and Bronze coppers have much more conspicuous orange markings on dorsal side. Neither is likely to be found in Bog Copper habitat.

NJ Status and Distribution: Resident. A northern species that reaches its southern limit in the NJ Pine Barrens. Recently reported from Atlantic, Cape May, Middlesex, Ocean, and Burlington counties. One site in northern Sussex County supports a small population.

Habitat: Acid bogs with cranberries.

Flight Period: One brood that flies in June and July. Extreme dates: North Jersey 6/8—7/9; South Jersey 5/31—7/7.

Caterpillar Food Plants: Large Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), and probably Small Cranberry (V. oxycoccos) as well (in Sussex County).

Overwintering Stage: Egg.

Good Locations: Jamesburg CP, Franklin-Parker Preserve, Wharton SF, Colliers Mills WMA, Hunters Mill Bog (Peaslee WMA).

Comments: Observers must be sharp to follow the Bog Copper’s weak, sedge-top flight. Sometimes stops to nectar on cranberry flowers.