Purplish Copper

Lycaena helloides

Size: 1 - 1.25 inches wingspan

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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. 

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Similar species: Lilac-bordered has distinctive two-toned HW below. Other coppers have white or grayish undersides.

Host plant: Docks (Rumex) and Knotweeds (Polygonum).

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Habitat: Wide variety of habitats.

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Range: All of Oregon.

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Season: Late April to mid-October

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Abundance: Common

Conservation Status: Secure