North Island Coastal copper
Common NameNorth Island Coastal copper
Scientific NameLycaena salustius
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyLycaeninae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, brown
HabitatOpen grassy areas, coastal dunes, scrubland, forest clearings
Geographic RangeNorth Island, New Zealand
Host PlantsMuehlenbeckia complexa, Muehlenbeckia australis
Flight PeriodOctober to May (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the host plant. Larvae are green and well-camouflaged. Pupation occurs on or near the host plant, and the species overwinters as a larva or pupa.
Identification TipsLook for the bright coppery-orange wings with distinct black spots and borders. It is endemic to the North Island of New Zealand, distinguishing it from other copper species in the region.
Description
A small, vibrant butterfly with males displaying brilliant coppery-orange wings adorned with black spots and a black border, while females are typically duller brownish-orange.
