Canterbury Alpine Boulder Copper
Common NameCanterbury Alpine Boulder Copper
Scientific NameLycaena boldenarum
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyLycaeninae
Wingspan (mm)24
Primary Colorsorange, brown, black, blue
HabitatAlpine and subalpine grasslands, rocky areas, open shrubland
Geographic RangeNew Zealand (endemic)
Host PlantsMuehlenbeckia axillaris, Muehlenbeckia complexa
Flight PeriodDecember to March
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various *Muehlenbeckia* species. Eggs are laid singly on host plants, and the caterpillars are small and slug-like, pupating close to the ground.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, orange and brown coloration with black spots, and the prominent row of iridescent blue spots on the hindwings. It is found exclusively in alpine and subalpine habitats of New Zealand.
Description
A small butterfly with orange-brown forewings marked with black spots, and darker hindwings featuring a distinctive row of iridescent blue spots along the outer margin.
