Bog Copper

The Bog Copper (Lycaena epixanthe) belongs to the family Lycaenidae, subfamily Lycaeninae, commonly referred to as the coppers. They are given this name because their coloration ranges from orange-red to brown, usually with a copper tinge and dark markings. The Bog Copper is the smallest of the United States coppers and is found throughout northeastern North America. This species is restricted to acid bogs with cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon and V. oxycoccos). The bog substrate, usually Sphagnum moss, must be saturated or nearly so most or all of the year and the area must be sunny. They are not found in commercial cranberry bogs due to the use of insecticides and mechanical disturbance.