Purplish Copper

Tharsalea helloides

AKA Lycaena helloides

Size: 1 - 1.25 inches wingspan

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Key ID features:  Male above brownish with purple iridescence when fresh. 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