Purplish Copper
Lycaena helloides
Size: 1 - 1.25 inches wingspan
Key ID features: Male above brownish with purple iridescence. Female above light orange with black spots and wide brown borders. Male and female HW below lavender with submarginal orange zigzag line (females darker); FW below with black spots.
Similar species: Lilac-bordered has distinctive two-toned HW below. Other coppers have white or grayish undersides.
Host plant: Docks (Rumex) and Knotweeds (Polygonum).
Habitat: Wide variety of habitats.
Range: All of Oregon.
Season: Late April to mid-October
Abundance: Common
Conservation Status: Secure