Lustrous Copper

Lycaena cupreus

Size: 0.75- 1.25 inches wingspan

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Key ID features:  Above bold orange with bold black spots and borders, female with more and larger spots.    Below HW gray or creamy gray with large black spots and orange submarginal line, sometimes segmented. FW below light orange with large black spots and grayish outer margin.

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Similar species:  Lustrous is deeper orange than other Oregon coppers with black spots above.

Host plant: Dock (Rumex) species are suspected.

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Habitat: Wet and dry meadows, open areas along streams.

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Range: South Cascade Mtns, Ochoco Mtns, Wallowa Mtns, Steens Mtn.

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Season: Late May to late-August

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Abundance: Locally common

Conservation Status: Secure