Lilac-bordered Copper Butterfly

Copper Butterflies (Lycaeninae) Edith's Copper Mariposa Copper Purplish Copper Tailed Copper Blues Hairstreaks Butterfly Pictures and Information

The Lilac-bordered Copper (Lycaena nivalis) and Purplish Copper are very similar looking butterflies that can easily be confused in areas where they share territory

The top picture shows a side view of the male. The two toned, purplish and yellowish shades on the bottom underside represents one basic field identification clues.

The bottom picture shows a top view of a male. The small amount of dark wing spots is commonly cited as another field identification clue that differentiates it from the Purplish Copper male.

Males also show dark orange spots at the bottom of the wing.

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels