Coppers & Blues
What are they?
These species are members of the large and diverse family Lycaenidae, a family which, apart from the hairsteaks, is poorly represented in our region. Members of this family are rather small, but often very brightly-colored or intricately-marked butterflies and some species have a very complex life cycle which oftens involves association with certain species of ants. They are mostly summer fliers and often have a relatively short fly period as adults.
Identification
Within the group covered here, size and overall color of either the upperside or underside should be enough to identify individuals to species. However, the azures are a different story; once considered a single species (Spring Azure) there may be as many as five identifiable forms in our region and the exact species boundaries in this group are still not agreed upon. For now at least, a good number of azures that may be found on a day out in the field in Cape May County during late spring and early summer will have to go unidentified as far as species level taxonomy is concerned.
Small (American) Copper Lycaena phlaeas
Wingspan: 1.0 inches. Flight time: April to October. Larval foodplant: Alien species of docks and sorrels (Polygonaceae). Much controversy surrounds the true status of the eastern form of Small Copper, which is isolated from the western forms and resembles the nominate European form rather than other North American ones. This, coupled with the fact that it is currently only known to feed on introduced aher than native species of plants, leads many people to suspect that this eastern population originated from European introductions. Thus, the European English name is preferred here as being more appropriate. The brilliant, iridescent orange of this small, low-flying butterfly makes it easily identifiable. A local but sometimes common species of old fields and other grassy places where the food plant grows.
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Bog Copper Lycaena epixanthe
Wingspan: 0.9 inches. Flight time: June to early July. Larval foodplant: Large Cranberry. A scarce and very local species in Cape May which favors pristine sphagnum bogs where its larval foodplant grows. Individuals fly low amongst dense vegetation and can be very hard to observe. A duller species than Small Copper with mostly brownish upperwings.
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Eastern Tailed Blue Everes comyntas
Wingspan: 0.9 inches. Flight time: April to October. Larval foodplant: Members of the pea family (Fabaceae), especially introduced species. The ability of this species to switch to introduced members of the pea family as its larval foodplants has enabled it to become a widespread and common species in all kinds of open fields, waste places and roadsides. Males are brilliant, shining blue above, while females are charcoal gray. Both species have a similar underwing pattern.
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Japanese Clover |
Blueberry Azure Celastrina 'lucia'
Wingspan: 0.9 inches. Flight time: March to early May. Larval foodplant: Usually blueberries (Ericaceae) but perhaps occasionally other woody plants too. A small, early flying azure which is most often found as one or other of the two darker morphs of azure. The "marginata" morph has a dark border to the underside of the hindwing, while the "lucia" morph has an irregularly-shaped dark blotch in the center of the underside of the hindwing. This 'species' is still poorly known and hasn't officially been described for science yet. Generally this is the earliest azure on the wing in Cape May County and is not uncommon in woodland in the northern half of the county.
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Atlantic (Holly) Azure Celastrina 'idella'
Wingspan: 0.9 inches. Flight time: March to May. Larval foodplant: Flowerbuds of native hollies (Aquifoliaceae). A relatively early flying azure which is generally found as the pale "violaceae" morph of azure. A fairly common and widespread species throughout the spring period and the species most likely to be seen in the southern third of the county. Although recognized for a long time, this form has only relatively recently been formally described and discussed at any great length. With experience, can be told from Blueberry Azure (with which it often flies) by its slightly larger size and the whiter, more silvery ground color to the underside of the wings.
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American Holly |
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Summer Azure Celastrina 'neglecta'
Wingspan: 0.9 inches. Flight time: May to September. Larval foodplant: A wide variety of woody trees and shrubs. A relatively late flying azure which is generally found as the pale "violaceae" morph of azure. A fairly common and widespread species which has several broods during the summer period, extending the flight sometimes into September. Very difficult and - often - perhaps impossible to tell in the field from Atlantic Azure. However, though they may look alike, the two groups do function as separate species, most often by choice of foodplant. Flight time is useful later in the season but occasional individuals that appear to be of this species are also known to occur in early spring on occasion.
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