Purple-shot Copper
Common NamePurple-shot Copper
Scientific NameLycaena alciphron
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyLycaeninae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, grey, black
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, open woodlands, flowery slopes
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe, parts of Asia (e.g., Turkey, Caucasus, Siberia)
Host PlantsRumex acetosa, Rumex hydrolapathum
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on dock species, larvae feed on the leaves and overwinter, pupation occurs near the ground.
Identification TipsLook for the combination of orange uppersides with black spots (males may have a purple sheen) and the greyish-brown undersides with distinct black spots and a prominent orange band on the hindwing.
Description
A small butterfly with an orange upperside marked with black spots, and a greyish-brown underside featuring numerous black spots and an orange submarginal band on the hindwing.
