Purple-edged copper (Lycaena hippothoe)

The Purple-edged copper (Lycaena hippothoe) is a striking species of butterfly belonging to the family Lycaenidae, commonly known for its vivid colors and elegant appearance. This butterfly is native to parts of Europe and Asia and is especially notable for its unique colorations and patterns.

Description

• Size:
• Wingspan: The wingspan ranges from about 30-36 millimeters (1.2-1.4 inches).
• Body Length: The body length is proportionate to the wingspan, with a delicate and slender build.
• Coloration:
• Males: The males are characterized by their bright, metallic copper-colored wings with a distinctive purple edge. The upper side of the wings has a rich, warm copper hue, with the outer edge displaying a vibrant purple border.
• Females: Females are less bright than males, with more subdued copper colors and a less pronounced purple edge. They generally have a more mottled appearance, with brownish tones and some orange spots.
• Underside: Both sexes have a light brown underside with orange and white patterns. The hindwings have a series of small, dark spots which provide camouflage when the butterfly is resting.

Habitat

• Distribution: The Purple-edged Copper is found across a range of Europe, from the British Isles to Scandinavia and as far east as the Urals. It also appears in parts of Asia.
• Preferred Environment: This butterfly inhabits a variety of open, grassy habitats including meadows, heathlands, and clearings in woodlands. It is often seen in areas with abundant flowering plants.

Behavior and Ecology

• Feeding:
• Larvae: The caterpillars feed on various species of plants in the family Polygonaceae, including docks (Rumex) and sorrels (Oxalis).
• Adults: Adult butterflies feed on nectar from a variety of wildflowers, including clover, thistle, and knapweed.
• Life Cycle:
• Eggs: Eggs are laid on the food plants, usually on the underside of leaves.
• Larvae: The caterpillars are green with a few spots and feed on the host plants. They develop over several weeks.
• Pupation: Pupation occurs in a chrysalis stage, which is often camouflaged among the leaves or other plant debris.
• Adults: The butterflies emerge from the chrysalis and are active during the warmer months, usually from late spring to early autumn.
• Behavior:
• Flight: The Purple-edged Copper has a fluttering flight pattern and is often seen darting among flowers in its habitat.
• Activity: It is most active during the day, particularly in sunny weather. Males are known for their territorial behavior, often seen patrolling their territory in search of mates.

Conservation

• Status: The Purple-edged Copper is generally not considered endangered, but its population can be affected by habitat loss and changes in land management.
• Conservation Efforts: Maintaining and protecting its natural habitats, such as meadows and heathlands, is important for its conservation. Efforts to preserve these habitats help support healthy populations of this butterfly.

Observing Purple-edged Coppers

• Best Times: They are best observed from late spring to early autumn, during sunny and warm weather.
• Watching Tips: Look for them in open, grassy areas with plenty of flowering plants. Their striking colors make them relatively easy to spot when they are actively feeding.

Interesting Facts

• Coloration: The purple edge of the male’s wings is a result of light refraction, which creates a striking and iridescent appearance.
• Habitat Specificity: The species is often found in specific types of habitats, making it a good indicator of habitat quality and ecological health.

Summary

The Purple-edged Copper (Lycaena hippothoe) is a visually stunning butterfly known for its metallic copper wings with a purple edge. Found across Europe and parts of Asia, it thrives in open, grassy habitats and feeds on nectar and specific host plants. Its distinctive appearance and habitat preferences make it an interesting subject for butterfly enthusiasts and conservationists.

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Common tiger (Danaus genutia)

Orange Tip Butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines)

Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)

Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

Orange gull (Cepora judith)

Green hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)

Common copper (Lycaena phlaeas)

Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)

Blue glassy tiger (Ideopsis similis)

Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)

Download full size image The Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) is a charming butterfly species belonging to the family Nymphalidae, known for its striking appearance and widespread distribution across Europe and parts of Asia. Here's a detailed description: Physical Characteristics: The Small Tortoiseshell butterfly is of medium size, with a wingspan typically ranging from 45 to 55 millimeters. It displays a distinctive pattern of bright orange wings bordered by a black band with white spots. The forewings also feature a row of blue crescents near the outer edge, while the hindwings have a series of blue spots and a border of black and yellow. The undersides of the wings are mottled brown, providing effective camouflage when the butterfly is at rest. Habitat and Distribution: Small Tortoiseshell butterflies are commonly found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, woodlands, gardens, and urban areas. They are distributed across much of Europe, including the British Isles, Scandinavia, and the Mediterranean region, as well as parts of Asia, such as Siberia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. They are particularly abundant in temperate regions with diverse plant species. Behavior and Life Cycle: Small Tortoiseshell butterflies are diurnal and active during the warmer months of the year, especially in spring and summer. They are strong and agile flyers, often seen fluttering among flowers in search of nectar and mates. The females lay eggs singly on the leaves of stinging nettles (Urtica spp.), which serve as the primary larval host plant. The caterpillars hatch from the eggs and feed on the leaves of the host plants before pupating and emerging as adult butterflies. Conservation Status: The Small Tortoiseshell is not considered globally threatened and is generally common and widespread throughout its range. However, like many butterfly species, it may face localized threats due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation caused by agricultural intensification, urbanization, and climate change. Conservation efforts focused on preserving and restoring habitats, protecting larval host plants, and minimizing human disturbance are crucial for ensuring the long-term survival of this iconic butterfly species. Overall, the Small Tortoiseshell butterfly is a beautiful and ecologically important species, valued for its striking appearance, graceful flight, and role in pollination and ecosystem functioning. Its presence adds vibrancy and vitality to natural landscapes and serves as a symbol of the rich biodiversity of the regions where it is found.

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

False heath fritillary (Melitaea diamina)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Northern chequered skipper (Carterocephalus silvicola)

Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)

Chestnut heath (Coenonympha glycerion)

Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

Common tiger (Danaus genutia)

European peacock (Inachis io)

Green hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)

Julia Heliconian (Dryas iulia)

Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)

Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

« ‹ of 4 › »