ExploreInsects

American Copper

Lycaena hypophlaeas

The American Copper is a small butterfly with beautiful orange and brown wings. It loves to flutter around flowers and is often seen in sunny places.

Habitat: Fields and gardens

Appearance

The American Copper is a small, vibrant butterfly with iridescent orange-copper forewings and duller brown hindwings. Its forewings often feature distinct dark spots, while the hindwings display a jagged orange band along the edge. The paler underside, with clear dark spots, helps distinguish it from similar species.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyLycaenidaeGenusLycaena
American Copper
solitary trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
American Copper

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Did you know the American Copper can have several generations of butterflies in just one summer?

Its tiny wings shimmer with bright orange and bronze colors, just like a shiny new penny!

The caterpillars are masters of disguise, blending perfectly with the green leaves they munch on!

They love to sunbathe, often resting with their wings wide open to soak up warmth!

Special abilities

Ability

Hidden Wings

American Copper has pale, spotted undersides that help them blend into dried leaves or grass when at rest.

Ability

Sweet Sip

American Copper can drink flower nectar using its long proboscis to gain energy for flying and laying eggs.

Ability

Ant Friends

American Copper caterpillars produce a sweet liquid that attracts ants, which can protect them from predators.

Ability

Speedy Escape

American Copper can fly in quick, darting movements to rapidly escape from birds or other predators.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
20-30 mm
Size
10-15 mm
Lifespan
7-14 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

This butterfly sips sweet nectar from flowers, while its caterpillars munch on sorrel leaves!

Age differences: Larvae eat sorrel leaves, while adults drink flower nectar.

Primary Foods

  • flower nectar
  • common sorrel leaves
  • sheep sorrel leaves

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Sheep Sorrel

Rumex acetosella

Caterpillars feed exclusively on its leaves.

eaten by

Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata

Birds like jays prey on adult butterflies.

pollinates

Common Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

Adults visit flowers for nectar, aiding pollination.

symbiotic with

Silky Ant

Formica subsericea

Ants protect caterpillars in exchange for honeydew.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Butterflies are gentle and fun to watch, but it's best to observe them without touching.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is American Copper's wingspan?

20-30 mm

How big is American Copper?

10-15 mm

How long does American Copper live?

7-14 days

What does American Copper eat?

This butterfly sips sweet nectar from flowers, while its caterpillars munch on sorrel leaves!

Where is American Copper usually found?

Fields and gardens

How does American Copper hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does American Copper have?

6

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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