American Copper
Lycaena phlaeas

American Copper is a small, brightly colored butterfly that can easily be overlooked. The southern limit of it range is North Georgia where is it rare to locally uncommon. It thrives in the northern tier of counties in weedy fields and meadows where its hostplants, sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella) and curled dock (Rumex crispus) are often abundant. Most recent sightings have been in Walker, Chattooga and Catoosa counties in the northwestern corner and Rabun County in the northeastern corner. Despite historic records from Athens (Clarke County 1931) and Augusta (Richmond County 1941), there is no current evidence of American Copper so far south in the state. There are three flights: mid-April to June, late June to mid- August and early September to mid-October. Most sightings have been in late May or early June, with records from Catoosa County on April 16 and from Habersham and Banks Counties on August 24. Early Date: April 16 (Catoosa County); Late Date: November 5 (Walker County). Conservation: Declining. Needs protection.