Iberian Sooty Copper
Common NameIberian Sooty Copper
Scientific NameLycaena tityrus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyLycaeninae
Wingspan (mm)32
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, dark brown, black
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, forest clearings, open dry areas, roadsides
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe, including the Iberian Peninsula, extending east to Central Asia
Host PlantsRumex acetosella, Rumex crispus, Rumex obtusifolius
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the leaves of various dock and sorrel species. Larvae are green and feed on the host plant, overwintering before pupating near the ground.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the combination of orange forewings with prominent black spots and dark hindwings featuring a distinct row of orange submarginal crescents. The underside is typically paler with black spots ringed in white.
Description
A small butterfly with bright orange forewings heavily marked with black spots and a dark brown border. The hindwings are predominantly dark brown with a row of orange crescents along the outer margin.
