Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1093939

Edith's Copper
Lycaena editha

Observation date: August 03, 2016
Submitted by: kmelville
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: There were hundreds of these butterflies in the dryer part of the salt marsh near Peters River within the Bathurst city limits on this hot sunny day. This was my third day in a row observing them. They were flying just above the grasses and landing frequently. While some fed on Sea Lavender, many were mating. A male approached this particular female and attempted to mate with her but he gave up after a few minutes. She flew a few feet away, landed, spread her wings and another male approached. They successfully mated and were still together when I left a half hour later.
Status: Resident
Verified by: rosslayberry
Verified date: August 14, 2016
Coordinator notes: BAMONA stupidly refuses to accept L. dospassosi as a species, so I have to call it L. dorcas. Sorry about that. Ross Layberry
Checklist region(s): Canada, New Brunswick