Purplish Copper Butterfly Images

Purplish Copper Butterfly Images, Facts and Information:

Tharsalea helloides

  • Purplish Copper butterflies are small, brightly colored butterflies with a wingspan of about 1 to 1.25 inches. Males display a vivid purplish sheen on the upper side of their wings, while females are more orange with dark markings. The underside of the wings is grayish with small black spots.
  • Purplish Copper butterflies are found across North America, from Alaska and Canada south through much of the western United States, including the Rocky Mountains and Great Basin regions. They inhabit wet meadows, marshes, bog edges, and streamsides where their host plants grow.
  • Caterpillars of the Purplish Copper feed primarily on dock and smartweed species. Adults feed on flower nectar and sometimes sip moisture from damp soil or mud.
  • Females lay eggs singly on the leaves or stems of host plants. Caterpillars may overwinter in the egg stage or as partially grown larvae, depending on climate and location.
  • Purplish Copper butterflies are members of the gossamer-winged family (Lycaenidae), known for their brilliant colors and delicate appearance.
  • A group of butterflies can be called a “kaleidoscope” of butterflies.

I hope you enjoy viewing my Purplish Copper butterfly photos.