Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Mariposa Copper
Lycaena mariposa (Reakirt, 1866)


Family: Lycaenidae
Subfamily: Lycaeninae
Identification: Upperside of male iridescent purple with black borders and pale markings; female yellow-orange with more distinctive markings. Underside hindwing of both sexes is mottled gray.
Wing Span: 1 1/8 - 1 1/4 inches (2.9 - 3.2 cm).
Life History: Males perch in low spots to watch for females.
Flight: One flight from July-August.
Caterpillar Hosts: Vaccinium arbuscula in California, and other plants of the heath family (Ericaceae).
Adult Food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Forest openings and bogs where host plants grow.
Range: Southern Alaska south along the Rocky Mountains to Wyoming; Washington, central Oregon, northeastern California.
Conservation: Not usually required.
NCGR: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
Management Needs: None reported.
Comments: NULL