Purplish Copper (Lycaena helloides)
Purplish Copper (Lycaena helloides), male 
Fermilab, DuPage County, Illinois 
October 11, 2003 

Purplish Coppers are widespread on the Fermilab site, generally associated with Water Heartsease (Polygonum coccineum), which grows in wet areas in old fields and around pond edges.  There appear to be three generations per year with perhaps a partial fourth in October, as indicated for example by this fresh-looking male.  Fresh females appeared a few days later. 

More male Purplish Copper photos

Purplish Copper (Lycaena helloides), female 
Fermilab, DuPage County, Illinois 
July 30, 2003 

This female was in a large patch of Polygonum south of the main ring, in a wet field which was drained and farmed up to about 10 years ago.  The late August/early September brood there was huge, with dozens of coppers flying at once.  The Purplish Coppers appear to be quite opportunistic within the Fermilab boundaries, finding even relatively small patches of their larval host plant.  However, they do not generally seem to travel very far.  I have not found them in several different areas of suitable habitat a few miles off site. 

More female Purplish Copper photos

Purplish Coppers (Lycaena helloides), mating 
Fermilab, DuPage County, Illinois 
September 9, 2000

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