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Santa Barbara Field Guides - Butterflies Lepidoptera Lycaenidae Lycaena xanthoides Great Copper |
Size:
wingspread 1.25-1.75 in. Recognition: Large (for a lycaenid) with short tail; Male is gray with black outer wing fringes and spots; with orange markings on lower edge of HW; female lighter gray with some yellow areas and black spots on FW, also has orange markings along bottom edge of HW; both sexes somewhat variable. Flight period: Adults are active from mid May to July. Hostplants: The larvae feed on docks (Rumex - Polygonaceae). Habitat: They are found flying along hillsides, canyons, chaparral, and are frequently found nectaring. Distribution: They are found from southern Oregon to Baja California, including most of low to mid-elevation California. |