Bronze Copper
Male - June 2020
The Bronze Copper (Lycaena hyllus) is a rare and state endangered species. The ventral side hindwing has larger black spots than American Coppers, and a bold orange band along the edge which is another differentiating feature. From above, males have a beautiful bronzy sheen and a uniform color to the forewings, and the orange band appears along the hindwing edge. Females look a bit like American Coppers from the dorsal side, but have a bronzy-orange coloration as opposed to fluorescent orange.
Male - June 2020
Also note the little dash mark on each wing of the males which is visible from above. There is a gorgeous warm yellow-orange sheen to the wings that fades to purple on the hindwings in certain light.
Male - June 2020
I’ve never seen American or Bog Coppers open their wings fully to bask, so that is another helpful identifier. This Bronze Copper stretched out his wings when perched on this grass blade as it swayed in the breeze.
Male - June 2020
This is how you will often view Bronze Coppers - hiding in the grass or sedge and occasionally making short bouncy flights above the marsh. They behave a little like Bog Coppers, but are quite a bit larger and definitely have a stronger flight style.
Curly Dock - Host Plant - June 2020
