Purplish Copper (Lycaena helloides)

Member of Family: Lycaenidae   

On iNaturalist, the scientific name has been updated to Tharsalea helloides.

A more western species, in Ontario this butterfly is chiefly found in the North West.  It seems to be present in the Manitoulin/Killarney area, but reports are sporadic. The male is similar in appearance to the male Dorcas Copper - often having a purplish iridescence on the upper side.  There are old records from Southern Ontario, but it has not been reported there in many years.  See description of the Dorcas Copper for hints on telling the two species apart.

To see where this butterfly has been reported, visit:  The Ontario Butterfly Atlas Online

For more info on this species, visit the Butterflies of Canada