Size: 1.1 - 1.25 inches wingspan

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Key ID features:  Female above gray-brown with black spots and orange "arches" along upper HW trailing margin. Male above gray, with only a few small spots along HW trailing margin.    Below HW grayish brown with brown spots outlined with darker brown, and submarginal white band. Female with darker, bolder spots on VFW and bolder orange line along VHW trailing margin. 

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Similar species:  Great Copper is larger, dorsal ground color often lighter, and HW spots smaller  and further apart.  Great Copper also often has a more noticeable tail. Tailed Copper has a prominent tail.

 

Host plant: Dock (Rumex) species and Knotweeds (Polygonum).

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Habitat: Meadows, open areas along streams, roadsides.

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Range: Widespread in Siskiyou Mtns, Klamath Mtns, Warner Mtns, Southern Cascade Mtns, Ochoco Mtns, Blue Mtns. Wallowa Mtns.

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Season: Mid-June to early September

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Abundance: Common

 

Conservation Status: Secure