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American Copper
Lycaena phlaeas
Size: 0.75- 1.25 inches wingspan
Key ID features: Above FW coppery orange with black spots and dark brown borders. Above HW gray-brown with wide orange band along most of trailing margin. Below HW gray with black spots, orange wavy submarginal line.
Similar species: Upperside is unlike any other copper. Separated from Purplish Copper by location and habitat.
Host plant: Suspected to be Mountain Sorrel (Oxyria digyna).
Habitat: Steep high-elevation talus slopes.
Range: High peaks in the Wallowa Mtns.
Season: Mid-August to mid-September
Abundance: Uncommon
Conservation Status: Secure
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