Purplish Copper
Tharsalea helloides (Boisduval, 1852)
Family: Lycaenidae
Status: Uncommon resident
NENHP Rank: S3 Tier2
Range: This butterfly is found from the Great Lakes region northwest through most of Alaska and south through most of California. In Nebraska the distribution is primarily western although there are also widespread records from the eastern portion of the state.
Larval Hostplant(s): Docks and Smartweeds.
Broods/Flight Times: Apparently triple brooded with records from mid-May to mid-October.
Overwintering: Early spring flight dates suggest as pupae. Egg and first instar larvae have also been reported in literature.
Habitat: Riparian areas, marshy roadsides and wet meadows .
Avg. Wingspan: 1 1/8 – 1 1/2 inches
Found at: Gilbert-Baker SWMA, Crescent Lake NWR, Nebraska National Forest@Halsey, Burwell Pond
Similar Species: American Copper
Notes:
Purplish Copper, Gilbert-Baker SWMA, J. Nikkila
