Dorcas Copper (Lycaena dorcas) (W. Kirby, 1837)

 

Synonyms: Lycaena arcticus, Lycaena castro, Lycaena claytoni, Lycaena florus, Lycaena megalocerus, Lycaena michuron

 

 

Lycaena dorcas is widespread in northern North America, from Alaska to eastern Ontario, and in the Rocky Mountains (south to Arizona and New Mexico); isolated population in New Brunswick and Maine. It is found along edges of bogs and fens, in meadows, and old brushy fields, often near small streams. The upperside is brown with dark brown speckles, and blue-purple iridescence in males. Red-orange spots in the posterior corner of the hindwing. The underside is orange-brown. The wingspan 25-32 mm. Adults takes nectar of cinquefoils (Potentilla spp., Rosaceae) and some Asteraceae. The larva feeds on Shrubby Cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa), other cinquefoils, and some Polygonaceae. Apparently single-brooded, flying from June into September.

 

		D41468 Dorcas Copper (Lycaena dorcas), mating Bruce Peninsula Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D41487 Dorcas Copper (Lycaena dorcas), male Bruce Peninsula Ontario, Canada Copyright © Wild Nature Images All Rights Reserved
		D41473 Dorcas Copper (Lycaena dorcas), mating Bruce Peninsula Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
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