Mariposa Copper (Lycaena mariposa [Reakirt])
Wing span: 1 1/8 - 1 1/4 inches (2.9 - 3.2 cm).
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.
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.
