Lycaena phlaeas
Table of Contents
Common Name: American Copper
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Arthropoda |
| Class: Insecta |
| Order: Lepidoptera |
| Family: Lycaenidae |
| Genus: Lycaena |
| Species: Lycaena phlaeas |
Conservation Status
Identifying Features
American copper butterflies have a 1" wingspan. They are a shiny red-orange color and have black spots across teir wings. The underside of their wings is a gray-brown.
Habitat & Range
These butterflies are found in open and disturbed habitat. Their range includes Eastern and central America as well as may areas of Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa.
Behavior
American copper butterflies are active throughout the day. They will feed on the nectar of buttercups, clovers, yarrow, daisy, and other plants.
Life Cycle
The larvae of this species will hide under rocks and logs before turning into a chrysalis. Adults may only live 2 weeks in some parts of their range.
Featured image by Michael Apel
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