Scarce Copper
Lycaena virgaureae
The male’s upperside glows an almost metallic golden red. Females are orange with bold dark markings, so at first glance the two sexes hardly seem to belong together.
- Group
- Blues
- Photos
- 2
- Taken
- 2025
Profile: Scarce Copper
- Family
- Gossamer-winged butterflies (Lycaenidae)
- Habitat
- Flower-rich woodland clearings, forest tracks and open valleys within larger forests, preferably in low mountain ranges; from the lowlands up to about 2,000 m.
- Diet
- The nocturnal caterpillars feed on docks and sorrels such as common sorrel; adults nectar on thyme and marjoram as well as white and yellow flowers such as yarrow, tansy and umbellifers.
- When to see
- One generation: males from about mid-June to late July, females until mid-September. It is the only copper that overwinters as an egg.
Learn more: Wikipedia