Size: 1.1 - 1.25 inches wingspan

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Key ID features:  Male above very bright coppery orange, with few small dark spots. Female above brownish gray orange with black spots, and submarginal spot band, often with orange submarginal zigzag line.  Female HW below white with orange wash with very light spots; FW below light orange with black spots. Male similar below with lighter ground color.

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Similar species:  No other Oregon butterfly is as bright orange as the male.  Female somewhat similar to Blue Copper, which lacks the orange zigzag above and the orange wash below.

 

Host plant: Dock (Rumex) species.

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Habitat: Riparian habitast (near water), including wet montane meadows.

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Range: Southeastern Oregon, and east of Cascade Mtns from Ochoco Mtns south.

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Season: Mid-May to late August

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Abundance: Common

 

Conservation Status: Secure