The Purplish Copper is found in the Northwestern States from northern Illinois and Iowa to Vancouver's Island.
(9) Chrysophanus epixanthe, Boisduval and Leconte, Plate XXVIII, Fig. 28, ♂ (The Least Copper).
Butterfly.—The smallest species of the genus in North America. On the upper side the wings of the male are dark fuscous, shot with purple, and having a few red spots near the anal angle of the secondaries. The female on the upper side is pale gray, and more profusely marked with black spots. On the under side the wings are light gray, bluish at the base, and marked with the usual spots. Expanse, .85-.95 inch.
Early Stages.—Little is known of these.
This is a Northern species, ranging from Newfoundland, where it is common, to British Columbia, never south of the latitude of New England.
(10) Chrysophanus hypophlæas, Boisduval, Plate XXVIII, Fig. 25, ♂; Plate V, Fig. 49, chrysalis (The American Copper).
Butterfly.—This is one of the commonest butterflies in the United States. The figure in the plate will serve to recall it to the mind of every reader. It is abundant everywhere except in the Gulf States, and ranges as far north as Manitoba and the Hudson Bay region. Expanse, 1.00 inch.
Early Stages.—These have often been described. The caterpillar, which is small and slug-shaped, feeds upon the common sorrel (Rumex acetosella).
(11) Chrysophanus snowi, Edwards, Plate XXIX, Fig. 7, ♂; Fig. 8, ♁ (Snow's Copper).
Butterfly.—This is a medium-sized species, easily recognized by the even, rather wide black border on both wings on the upper side, and the dirty-gray color of the hind wings on the under side. Expanse, 1.15-1.25 inch.