Lesser purple-shot copper

Lycaena asabinus asabinus

A copper with a wingspan of 25-31 mm, males are a golden-orange with distinct black spots while females are reddish. The lesser purple-shot is found at higher elevations, in gorges, alpine streamsides, and on stony mountain slopes. Host plants include docks (Rumex spp.) and prickly-thrifts (Acantholimon spp.). This butterfly flies May through July.