Observation date: July 21, 2021
Submitted by: Cascade Colors
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: This is very dark/brown, so does that mean it is a female blue? Or else the purplish copper? I didn't really see any underside photos that resembled this butterfly closely, but the upperside resembles lupine or shasta, if a female? Probably around 10,000 ft elevation
Status: Resident
Verified by: mikefisher
Verified date: August 29, 2021
Coordinator notes: There are two species of Purplish Coppers found in Colorado, most of those in the mountains and higher altitude as this one in your photo are Lycaena florus while those at lower altitudes is helloides (L. florus is not loaded into the BAMONA system). The two have different host plants. At some point this will be recognized but in the meantime, we have to use the name available. Mike
