This is not a Makah copper, but is an example of a Lycaena mariposa butterfly species
Moderate-
High
A current revision of the subspecies of mariposa copper describes nine new subspecies. The genus Lycaena for this group of coppers is currently recognized as Tharsalea. WDFW is currently evaluating the conservation status of the subspecies of Makah copper. There are two subspecies (makah and junia) limited to the outer coast and low-elevation areas on the Olympic Peninsula.
The population of Makah copper in Washington is low and is highly restricted and considered to have a declining trend. This lycaenid butterfly species is recognized as a state "Species of Greatest Conservation Need" due to its rare and restricted hostplants [food for caterpillars (larvae)] and habitat types, small number of isolated populations, highly limited range and distribution, and threats to its habitat.
Research is needed on this species to understand its life history and quantify specific habitat requirements including vegetation structure, food plant size and density, and key habitat features.
Description and Range
Physical description
The Lycaenidae butterfly family consists of small and often brightly colored species with the common names: copper, hairstreak, elfin, and blue. The genus Lycaena for this group of coppers is currently recognized as Tharsalea.
Ecology and life history
A coastal Sphagnum bog obligate, this butterfly’s hostplant is bog cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos), a prostrate, vine-like, dwarf evergreen shrub. Both butterfly and host occur within 20 miles of the outer coast and Salish Sea. Bogs in this region are small, low elevation patches dominated by Sphagnum mosses and other bog-specific herbaceous plants and shrubs within an otherwise heavily forested landscape.
This lycaenid butterfly completes a single life cycle annually (univoltine). All lycaenids are sedentary butterflies and do not migrate; instead, the species inhabits sites year-round (as egg, larva, pupa and adult), typically moving within only a few hundred yards of their natal locations. Adults emerge from their chrysalids (pupae) during species-specific time periods; the Makah copper's adult period is July through August.
The Makah copper's primary nectar plant is swamp gentian (Gentiana douglasiana). Both males and females feed by using their long proboscis to sip floral nectar. Males of most species require salts, which they obtain from evaporated puddles and moist soil and animal urine and feces.
Males begin emergence first, followed by females; late season individuals are primarily or solely females. Weather influences butterfly emergence and the flight period duration, with wet or cold conditions potentially delaying emergence, and warm, dry conditions promoting earlier emergence.
Male lycaenids seek mates using patrolling patterned flight or perching on vegetation in select spots and darting out to inspect passing butterflies. Females search for egg-laying sites by slowly flying and hovering above hostplant vegetation, and then landing and crawling to inspect vegetation before depositing eggs singly.
Larvae are slug-like in appearance and highly camouflaged in their host species. Many lycaenid larvae engage in mutualistic relationships with ants, known as myrmecophily, which typically consists of ants tending and milking larvae, obtaining nutrition in the form of a nectar-like substance (honeydew) in the process, and also protecting larvae from predators and parasitoids; in some situations the ants move butterfly larvae or pupae into ground chambers, including their nests. The overwintering stage varies by lycaenid species: Makah copper overwinter as eggs.
Geographic range
The distribution of this species is limited in part by a combination of its dependence on rare hostplant occurrence within rare habitat types. Its distribution and abundance in Washington is characterized by small numbers of small isolated populations. The species' overall range is the outer coast and low-elevation Olympic Peninsula of Washington; occurrence has been documented in Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson and Mason counties.
For a map of range-wide conservation status and distribution, check out NatureServe Explorer.
Climate vulnerability
Sensitivity to climate change
Moderate-
High
There is no information on the physiological sensitivity of this species to climate change. However, makah copper is likely sensitive to climate-driven changes in its larval host plant, bog cranberry, which occupies very wet and moist fens and bogs. Bog cranberry is not widely distributed, and drier conditions paired with increased winter flooding may affect the hydrology, formation and extent of bog habitat (see habitat sensitivity summary), potentially leading to habitat reductions for both bog cranberry and makah copper. Although bog habitats rarely burn, bog cranberry typically benefits from fire, increasing in abundance. It is unknown how makah copper responds to fire, however.
Exposure to climate change
Moderate
- Changes in precipitation (snow and rain)
- Increased amount and/or duration of flooding
- Drought
Conservation
Conservation Threats and Actions Needed
- Agriculture and aquaculture side effects
- Threat: Bog/fen obligate; habitat and species are vulnerable to alteration of local hydrology from logging and road building
- Action Needed: Leading or participating in land use planning for rural, urban, and forestry lands
- Resource information collection needs
- Threat: Species in Washington is likely a distinct subspecies
- Action Needed: Genetic study to determine if Washington populations are distinct subspecies
See the Climate vulnerability section for information about the threats posed by climate change to this species.
Resources
References
Ballmer, G. and G. Pratt. 1991. Quantification of ant attendance (Myrmecophily) of lycaenid larvae. Journal of Research on the Lepidoptera. 30(1-2): 95-112.
Fleckenstein, J. 2014. Rare alpine butterflies in the Olympic Mountains. Final report to the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Natural Heritage Program, Washington Department of Natural Resources. Olympia. 14 pp.
Fleckenstein, J. 2009. Makah Copper survey project. Final report to the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Natural Heritage Program, Washington Department of Natural Resources. Olympia. 17pp.
James, D. and D. Nunnallee. 2011. Life Histories of Cascadia Butterflies. Oregon State University Press, Corvallis. 447 pp.
Pyle, R.M. and C.C. LaBar. 2018. Butterflies of the Pacific Northwest. Timber Press. 461 pp.
Pyle, R.M. and P.C. Hammond. 2018. A review of the Mariposa Copper [Lycaena (Epidemia) Mariposa, Lycaenidae] with Description of Nine New Subspecies and a Model for their Biogeographical Origins. Journal of Lepidopterists’ Society. 72(1), 1-28.
Pyle, R. 1989. Washington butterfly conservation status report and plan. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia. 216pp.