Size: 1 - 1.25 inches wingspan

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Key ID features:  Male above brownish with orange zigzag line on trailing margin. Female above light orange with black spots and borders.   HW below two-toned, creamy yellow next to the body, and lilac in the outer half, with vague zigzag orange line (colors brighter in female).

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Similar species: Purplish lacks distinctive two-toned HW below. Other coppers have white or grayish undersides.

 

Host plant: Knotweeds (Polygonum).

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Habitat: Mountain meadows, openings in fir and pine forests.

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Range: All of Oregon's mountains except Coast Range.

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Season: Mid-May to late August

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Abundance: Common

 

Conservation Status: Secure