Gray Copper
(Lycaena dione)
Gray Copper sightings, by week (about)
Click to enlargeBuena Vista Marsh, Portage Co., WI. July 12, 2003.
Click to enlargeTamarack State Wildlife Area, Trempealeau Co., WI. July 7, 2004.
Click to enlargeBuena Vista Marsh, Portage Co., WI. July 12, 2003.
The Gray Copper is the largest Copper found in Wisconsin. It is found throughout the Great Plains and Wisconsin is at the eastern edge of its distribution. It should be looked for anywhere in the western part of the state.
Identifying characteristics: The upper surfaces of the wings are mainly a grayish brown with a few black spots. Females have a distinctive orange band on the hindwing margin and have more black spots. This band is much reduced to nonexistent in the male. Underneath the wing is a whitish gray with black spots throughout with a small orange band on the hind wing margin.
Similar species: The Bronze Copper is smaller, has a much wider orange band, and has an orange background on the front wing below.
Habitat: Moist areas where its larval hostplants, Rumex sp. are found. It will feed on both native and nonnative species and is often found in a variety of habitats, including weedy ditches.
Flight: This species has only one brood and can be found in flight during July.
Abundance: Uncommon in Wisconsin.
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Gray Copper
Lycaena dione