This large Copper butterfly has a wingspan of approximately 1 1/2 inches. Above, the forewing is mostly orange on the female with a dark gray border and dark spots. The male’s forewing is dark brown with a purplish sheen. Both sexes have a dark brown hindwing with a broad orange marginal band. Below, the forewing is mostly orange with small dark spots. The hindwing is pale gray with a broad orange marginal band.
The Bronze Copper is uncommon in Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods. It has been photographed once in the lowlands by the Gifford road parking lot in late September, but could be seen from spring to fall. They are usually found in moist grassy areas such as wet meadows, small streams and wet ditches.
The larval foodplants are docks, especially Curly Dock (Rumex crispus). The mature caterpillar is a bright yellow-green with a darker green line down the back.
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