Gray Copper
Tharsalea dione (Scudder, 1868)
Family: Lycaenidae
Status: Locally common resident
NENHP Rank: Not listed
Range: This butterfly is found from southern portions of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba southeast to western Oklahoma, most of Missouri, Iowa and Minnesota. In Nebraska it is found throughout the state and should eventually be found in every county.
Larval Hostplant(s): Docks (Rumex sp.).
Broods/Flight Times: One flight peaking in mid-late June. Nebraska records range from 8 June – 28 July.
Overwintering: As eggs.
Habitat: Wet meadows and weedy road ditches near their host plants.
Avg. Wingspan: 1 1/3 – 1 ½ inches
Found at:
Similar Species: Bronze Copper
Notes:
Gray Copper, Phelps County, J. Nikkila
