Observation date: August 01, 2016
Date notes: saw another individual here 7/30
Submitted by: Kristie Nelson
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: saw one on 7/30, then this one - two on 8/1. Large gray copper, but HW spots much reduced, and rounder, relative to edithia. HW spots seem smaller as well. Edith's Coppers are the usual species for upper elevations in the Sierra Nevada but here appears to be a population of Great Coppers. Habitat is limited, narrow riparian surrounded by dry, pumice-dominated tundra-like vegetation
Status: Resident
Verified by: Ken Davenport
Verified date: August 07, 2016
Coordinator notes: The Great Copper looks like ssp. obsolecens below. In the lower photo there is what appears to be a Gorgon Copper with the Great Copper.I had a similar copper at Freeman Creek Grove just a little over a week ago.-Ken Davenport Upon further review, I can't determine the second copper as a Ruddy or Purplish Copper. It is too worn and too little is visible. I'll publish the Great Copper record in the Season Summary. Your report demonstrates that Great Copper and Edith's Copper are two different species. Gorgon Coppers occur in the Lower Rock Creek Gorge in Mono County...with editha and xanthoides!-Ken Davenport
