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Species Detail
Bog Copper
Lycaena epixanthe (Boisduval & Leconte, [1835])
Attributes of Lycaena epixantheFamily: Gossamer-wing Butterflies (Lycaenidae) Subfamily: Coppers (Lycaeninae) Identification: Upperside of male brownish with purple iridescence; female dull gray-brown. Underside of both sexes white or pale tan; hindwing with very small black spots and red zigzag border on outer margin. Life history: Males perch on low plants to watch for females. Eggs are laid singly at base of host plant; caterpillars feed on shoots and leaves. First-stage caterpillars overwinter in their eggs, often underwater. Flight: One flight from June-September. Wing span: 7/8 - 1 inch (2.2 - 2.5 cm). Caterpillar hosts: Shrubby cranberries in the heath family (Ericaceae). Adult food: Water from raindrops and nectar from cranberry flowers. Habitat: Acid bogs with cranberries and other Ericaceae. Range: Maine south to New Jersey and West Virginia; west through northern Great Lake states and Ontario. Conservation: Habitat is sensitive and subject to draining or conversion to commercial use. NatureServe Global Status: G4 - Apparently secure globally, though it might be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. Management needs: Conserve habitats of known populations. | Documented Records for Lycaena epixanthe
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