{"id":194,"date":"2025-08-29T18:20:35","date_gmt":"2025-08-29T18:20:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/macrostock.eu\/?p=194"},"modified":"2025-08-29T18:20:35","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T18:20:35","slug":"common-copper-lycaena-phlaeas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/macrostock.karits.eu\/index.php\/2025\/08\/29\/common-copper-lycaena-phlaeas\/","title":{"rendered":"Common copper (Lycaena phlaeas)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Download full size image<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\ud83e\udd8b Common Copper (Lycaena phlaeas<\/em>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Common Copper<\/strong> is a small but fiery butterfly known for its bright orange wings<\/strong> and confident behavior<\/strong>. Despite its size, it\u2019s a bold and energetic flyer, often defending its territory fiercely. Found across a wide range of habitats, it adds a spark of color to meadows, heaths, and gardens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\ud83d\udd0d Identification<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  • Wingspan<\/strong>: 22\u201335 mm<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Upperwings<\/strong>:\n
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    • Bright orange<\/strong> with dark brown borders<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Forewings have small black spots<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Hindwings<\/strong>:\n
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      • Brown with an orange border<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Underside<\/strong>:\n
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        • Pale brown hindwings with dark spots<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Orange forewings with fainter markings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Males and females are similar, but females may be slightly larger and more colorful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          \ud83c\udf0d Distribution & Habitat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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          • Range<\/strong>: Widespread across Europe<\/strong>, Asia<\/strong>, North Africa<\/strong>, and into North America<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Habitat<\/strong>:\n
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            • Grassy meadows<\/strong>, heathlands<\/strong>, coastal dunes<\/strong>, wastelands<\/strong>, and gardens<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Prefers areas with sunlight<\/strong> and low vegetation<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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              \ud83e\uddec Life Cycle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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              • Broods<\/strong>: Multiple broods per year (2\u20133 in most areas, more in warmer climates)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Flight period<\/strong>: From April to October<\/strong>, depending on location and weather<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Host plants<\/strong>:\n
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                • Primarily sorrel<\/strong> (Rumex acetosa<\/em>) and sheep\u2019s sorrel<\/strong> (Rumex acetosella<\/em>) for caterpillars<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Eggs<\/strong>: Laid singly on host plants<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Caterpillars<\/strong>: Green with fine white hairs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Pupae<\/strong>: Hidden near ground level<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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                  \ud83c\udf3c Behavior<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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                  • Flight<\/strong>: Low, fast, and darting \u2014 often chases away intruders from its territory<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Feeding<\/strong>:\n
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                    • Adults feed on nectar from flowers like thistles<\/strong>, dandelions<\/strong>, and buttercups<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Territorial<\/strong>: Males often perch in sunny spots, ready to defend their patch from rivals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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                      \ud83c\udf1f Interesting Facts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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                      • One of the most widespread and common coppers<\/strong> in its range<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Able to adapt to disturbed habitats<\/strong>, making it a resilient species<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • In some areas, it may be the only copper species present<\/strong>, making it easy to identify<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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                        \u2705 Conservation Status<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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                        • Not threatened<\/strong> \u2014 considered stable and common in most of its range<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Benefited by wildflower-rich meadows<\/strong> and pollinator-friendly gardens<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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                          \ud83d\udccc Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                          The Common Copper (Lycaena phlaeas<\/em>)<\/strong> is a feisty little butterfly with a lot of personality. Its vivid orange wings and territorial behavior make it a standout even among larger butterflies. A delightful sight in sunny open spaces, it\u2019s a perfect ambassador for the charm of native pollinators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n