Bronze copper

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Lycaena hyllus

Type: invertebrate

Status:

Species Guide

Bronze copper

Lycaena hyllus

Species Type: invertebrate

Conservation Status:

Identification

The Bronze copper is one of the largest coppers. Adults reach 1.5 – 1.9 in. (37-47mm) in length. Male and female coppers have different colorings on the upper surface of their forewings. Males have a solid iridescent purple forewing. Females have orange forewings with a few black spots where only the forewing margin has a purple iridescence. Otherwise, the overall coloration of both sexes is orange.

Distribution & Habitat

Distribution and Habitat

In New Jersey the Bronze copper is rare. Its range is fairly widespread and it is found in most states above the Mason-Dixon Line. Its range extends into many Canadian Provinces.
Bronze coppers can be found in moist or wet areas, including brackish and freshwater marshes, bogs, fens, seepages, wet sedge meadows, riparian zones, wet grasslands, and drainage ditches.

Diet

Larvae or caterpillars feed on water dock (Rumex orbiculatus), curled dock (Rumex cripus), and knotweeds (Polygonum spp.) (Iftner et. al. 1992; Opler and Malikul 1998). Adults nectar on red clover (Trifolium pretense), milkweeds (Asclepias spp.), asters (Aster spp.), thistles (Cirsium spp.), and a variety of other herbs and grasses.

Life Cycle

Each summer the Bronze copper goes through two broods. Both generations of adults die after reproducing. Adults fly from mid-June to mid-September. Caterpillars are yellowish-green and have a dark dorsal stripe down their backs. They feed on water dock, curled dock, and knotweeds. The second generation of adults lay eggs that overwinter and hatch the next season.