Lycaena sp.

This is a copper butterfly in the genus Lycaena. Adults can be seen visiting flowers and basking with their wings open. They usually reside around moist and sunny places. The larvae of this species feed on a large variety of plant species, but tend to show preference towards members of the Polygonaceae, Rosaceae, or Ericaceae families. The undersides of these species are typically white-yellow to orange and accented with small black dots, showing great contrast between the dorsal and vental sides. 

Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Lycaenidae
Species: Lycaena sp.

Photograph: © 2016 RKD Peterson
Date of Photograph: 13 August 2016
Location: Montana, Gallatin Co. (45^o50'10" N 110^o45'17" W)