Common NameGrey CopperSeasonalityThe singly yearly flight occurs between late June and early September, peaking in mid July.IdentificationThis is one of only two coppers in the province that have a predominantly grey upperside; the other large, grey copper is Edith's (L. editha), which differs in having more irregularly-shaped underside spots, giving it a splotchy appearance. It is not known if Edith's Copper still occurs in Alberta (see species account for L. editha).
Scientific NameLycaena dioneCommon Name
Grey Copper
Habitat
Wetland edges, moist meadows and weedy, disturbed areas where dock (Rumex) grows.
Seasonality
The singly yearly flight occurs between late June and early September, peaking in mid July.
Identification
This is one of only two coppers in the province that have a predominantly grey upperside; the other large, grey copper is Edith's (L. editha), which differs in having more irregularly-shaped underside spots, giving it a…
This is one of only two coppers in the province that have a predominantly grey upperside; the other large, grey copper is Edith's (L. editha), which differs in having more irregularly-shaped underside spots, giving it a splotchy appearance. It is not known if Edith's Copper still occurs in Alberta (see species account for L. editha).
Life History
Eggs are laid on the leaf underside of the foodplant, and, the larva is green with a dark green or reddish dorsal stripe when mature (Opler & Krizek 1984). Males will chase other passing butterflies (Bird et al. 1995).
Conservation
Not of concern.
Diet Info
The larvae feed on docks (Rumex crispus, R. occidentalis) on the Canadian prairies (Layberry et al. 1998). Adults nectar at thistles (Cirsium spp.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and yellow sweet clover (Melilotis sp.)…
The larvae feed on docks (Rumex crispus, R. occidentalis) on the Canadian prairies (Layberry et al. 1998). Adults nectar at thistles (Cirsium spp.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and yellow sweet clover (Melilotis sp.) (Hooper 1973, Bird et al. 1995, Guppy & Shepard 2001).
Range
A species of the Great Plains, ranging from the southern Prairie Provinces and extreme western Ontario south to Texas and east to Illinois and Missouri (Opler 1999). A disjunct population occurs in the Columbia Valley…
A species of the Great Plains, ranging from the southern Prairie Provinces and extreme western Ontario south to Texas and east to Illinois and Missouri (Opler 1999). A disjunct population occurs in the Columbia Valley region of southern BC (Guppy & Shepard 2001).
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Citation
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Page Citation for Lycaena dione
Page Citation
"Species Details - Lycaena dione, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-2620. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.
References
AuthorOpler, Paul A.
TitleA field guide to western butterflies.
Publication Date1999
Pages540
AuthorBird, C. D., G.J. Hilchie, N.G. Kondla, E.M. Pike and F. A. H. Sperling
TitleAlberta Butterflies
Publication Date1995
Pages349
AuthorOpler, P. A. and G. O. Grizek
TitleButterflies East of the Great Plains : An Illustrated Natural History.
Publication Date1984
AuthorGuppy, Crispin S. and Jon H. Shepard
TitleButterflies of British Columbia.
Publication Date2001
Pages414
AuthorLayberry, Ross A.; Hall, Peter W. and J. Donald LaFontaine
TitleThe Butterflies of Canada
Publication Date1998
Pages280
Specimen Information
There are 19 specimens of this Species.
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19 results plotted on map in 6 markers. Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.