Purple-edged Copper
Common NamePurple-edged Copper
Scientific NameLycaena hippothoe
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyLycaeninae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, brown, black, iridescent purple
HabitatDamp meadows, marshy areas, bogs, forest clearings
Geographic RangeEurope, temperate Asia
Host PlantsRumex acetosa, Rumex hydrolapathum, Rumex crispus
Flight PeriodMay to September (two broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plant leaves. Larvae feed on docks and sorrels, overwintering as small larvae. Pupation occurs near the ground.
Identification TipsKey features include the spotted underside with a distinct orange submarginal band. Males are easily identified by their iridescent purple-copper uppersides, while females have more extensive orange on the upperside compared to some other coppers.
Description
A small butterfly with a light brown/grey underside patterned with numerous black spots and a prominent orange band along the wing margins. Males have iridescent purple-copper uppersides, while females are orange with dark spots.
