# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 24 - **Habitat:** Fields and gardens ![American Copper](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Small_copper_%28Lycaena_phlaeas_eleus%29_ab._caeruleopunctata.jpg&width=800) Photo: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Small_copper_%28Lycaena_phlaeas_eleus%29_ab._caeruleopunctata.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Lycaenidae - **Genus:** Lycaena ## 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 - **Hidden Wings:** American Copper has pale, spotted undersides that help them blend into dried leaves or grass when at rest. - **Sweet Sip:** American Copper can drink flower nectar using its long proboscis to gain energy for flying and laying eggs. - **Ant Friends:** American Copper caterpillars produce a sweet liquid that attracts ants, which can protect them from predators. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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 - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## 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 ### How to identify American Copper? Compare the wing outline, spots, bands, eyespots and wing edges. The underside can look completely different from the top. Check for tails, the antennae and where the markings sit instead of relying on color alone. Butterfly Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Bald Eagle State Forest](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bald-eagle-state-forest) — Pennsylvania, US · Forest - [Brattleboro Downtown Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/brattleboro-downtown-historic-district) — Vermont, US · Historic District - [Chesham](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chesham) — New Hampshire, US · Historic District - [Joseph E. Ibberson Conservation Area](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/joseph-e-ibberson-conservation-area) — Pennsylvania, US · State Park - [Pennellville Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/pennellville-historic-district) — Maine, US · Historic District - [Amesbury and Salisbury Mills Village Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/amesbury-and-salisbury-mills-village-historic-district) — Massachusetts, US · Historic District [View all places to see American Copper](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/american-copper) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [American Copper: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-copper)