ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Butterflies and Skippers - Purplish Copper

 Purplish Copper

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 		 The purplish copper can be found scattered throughout the western half of the state, but it is most often encountered in northwestern Ohio. The Ohio Division of Wildlife lists this species as endangered.
 

Purplish Copper
Lycaena helloides 

At-a-Glance

• Wings: 1.2 - 1.6 inches


 
Description
The upperside of a male purplish copper is orange-brown with a purplish sheen. The females tend to be more orange. The hindwing of both sexes has a broad orange band at the margin.

Habitat and Habits
This species inhabits a variety of disturbed moist areas, such as fallow fields with poor drainage, sedge meadows, wet prairies, wet ditches and low, damp areas in cultivated fields.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
The purplish copper has three, possibly four, broods peaking in June, July, and late August-early September. The males perch and sometimes patrol in low spots for females. Eggs are scattered at the base of the host plant or in the litter beneath it. The eggs overwinter with the caterpillars emerging to feed on leaves the following spring.