The American Copper (Lycaena phlaeas) is a tiny butterfly that most may hardly notice flitting by. What a little beauty it is! A very common butterfly here in Massachusetts, yet this is the first one I have been lucky enough to capture.
With a wing span of only 7/8 – 1 1/8 . . . the American Copper can be easily overlooked, unless it is quietly soaking up the sun. I would guess this is a freshly emerged butterfly.
I noted nearby clumps of sheep sorrel growing along the edge of the field path. This native European of the buckwheat family is the host for the American Copper caterpillar.
Carol Duke
Carol Duke is an artist and farmer who has worked with the land on a Western Massachusetts hillside for over thirty years. During this time her land has evolved into a diverse wildlife habitat. Carol features the flora and fauna that live and visit her farm on her blog http://flowerhillfarm.blogspot.com/ As vital wildlife habitats are destroyed daily, Carol hopes to inspire others to garden for wildlife, while becoming activists for wild places the world over. Her nature photography has appeared in magazines, books and newspapers.
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