Tailed Copper

Tharsalea arota

AKA Lycaena arota

Size: 0.75- 1.25 inches wingspan

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Key ID features:  Coppery brown above. Small white-tipped tails on HW.  Below HW is boldly marked with spots, chevrons, a white band and black spots circled with white, against gray-brown background. 

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Similar species:  No other coppers have tails.

Host plant: Currants and gooseberries.

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Habitat: Moist meadows, canyons, mountain canyons.

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Range: Siskiyou Mtns, Southern Cascade Mtns, Klamath Mtns, Warner Mtns, central Willamette Valley.

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Season: Mid-June to late September

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Abundance: Locally common

Conservation Status: Secure