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  • Dorcas Copper
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Dorcas Copper

(Lycaena dorcas)

Ebner (1970) notes that the Wisconsin record is the result of four specimens collected in Forest County in 1933. Obviously this is not a common butterfly in Wisconsin. Since that time it has been found in 11 counties within the state. In most references it is noted that the larval host is Shrubby Cinquefoil, a species that doesn’t occur in most counties where this species has been reported. Clearly its larval host is some other species in these areas. As this species does occur throughout southern Michigan, including more than half of the southern three tiers of counties, it seems probable that this species could occur farther south in Wisconsin than has been recorded. The photos on the right were taken in Door County in areas where Shrubby Cinquefoil was prevalent. All photos are of butterflies nectaring on this plant.

Identifying characteristics: Above the wings are dark brown with a purplish sheen on the male, black spots, and an orange submarginal line on the hindwing that is much less developed than in the Purplish Copper with the orange somewhat less extensive in the males (see the bottom two photos of two males and compare to the female in the second photo). Below this species is variable in coloration, but is often more orange-brown on the forewing and lighter on the hindwing, with a thin orange submarginal line.

Similar species: The Purplish Copper and this species can easily be confused. These species are so much alike at times because of the variability of the species that even the experts can become confused. In general the Dorcas Copper shows less orange on the submarginal line of hindwing above. Notice the small orange spot on the hindwing of the males in the bottom two photos and then compare it to the photos of the male Purplish Copper.

Habitat: Edges of bogs, open shrubby areas where its host species are present.

Flight: Single brooded with the main flight from late June into August.

Abundance: An uncommon butterfly in Wisconsin.

Recent Dorcas Copper Sightings

Date seen	County	Reported by
08–01–2008	Door	Tom Poklen

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