American Coppers are flying here at Flower Hill Farm this spring of 2015. The only thing more exciting than seeing one American Copper . . .
is seeing two together.
It was not easy to capture these images as the butterflies were flitting and twirling about so rapidly in unison. Together, as in a dance, they were drawing oval shapes in the air then suddenly separating. A fun chase scene to observe in the south field where a swath of sheep-sorrel grows along side the dwarf cinquefoil. Sheep-sorrel acts as a host plant for the American Copper caterpillar.
At least five coppers were alternately drinking from tiny cinquefoil blooms and then partnering up for their courtship flights. The flowers are a bit smaller than a dime to give an idea of the size of the American Copper. It was enchanting to stand in the south field like a giant above these teeny butterflies and their habitat. To learn more about these wondrous little creatures visit – http://www.butterfliesofmassachusetts.net/Am%20Copper.htm
You can see more of Flower Hill Farm Butterflies over the years including American Coppers here.
Great that you have American Coppers there. We get them here too, but we call them Small Coppers! I see that yours also have occasional blue scales on their wings. We have noticed that they are quite variable. Some have no blue, others have obvious blue dots.
I would prefer calling ours Small Coppers to American Coppers Nick. I have read on the link I provide that our coppers may not even be native, so ‘small’ fits better in more ways than one.
You have such a knack for capturing the butterflies that flit around your property! I recently spoke on butterfly gardening at the garden club, with a few tips on trying to capture them with the camera. I should have had you teach the class! Lovely indeed.
Thank you Robin. I am sure I could learn a few tips from you. The main trick is to take lots of images.