American Copper Butterfly

The American Copper butterfly (Lycaena phlaeas) is a type of butterfly that is well known for the orange red color of its fore wings which include some spots and a dark outside border. On the other hand, its hind wings have the opposite color patterns with the orange color appearing in the borders. The underside has basically the same pattern except that they are paler or darker in color. This brilliant display of orange to red color has made this butterfly a favorite subject among photographers and artists alike.

It is widespread and common predominantly found in open areas which include pastures and fields as well as alpine and arctic areas. The American Copper Butterfly which is also called Flame copper or small copper butterflies are found in many areas in Canada as well as well as most states in the United States.

This wide range of location has resulted to a different number of generations each summer with two in the north, three in the south and one each in the alpine and arctic areas. Many adults can still be seen just before winter unlike other species. Females usually lay eggs singly on the leaves of host plants which the caterpillars eat once they break out of their eggs. Then many caterpillars and pupa spend time in the winter before emerging into an adult once spring arrives.

During mating season, American Copper Butterfly males tend to wait for females to pass by in their territories and are so aggressive that they will chase down almost anything even those that are not really females as well as rivals that are passing by.