Identification - Lycaenidae
Having narrowed the options down a little there are now just 12 species of copper to choose from! All the species are represented on this page, just choose the that best fits using the pictures and details provided.
- If you see your species pictured clicking on the image will take you directly to further information on that particular butterfly.
Lycaenidae - Coppers
| Not pictured
Similar to phlaeas with purplish sheen. Local in wet areas. |
Widespread and often common. |
Not pictured
Like virgaureae, larger with black spot in cell. Local in wet areas. |
Male above, female below.
White specks on underside hindwing.
|
| Lycaena helle
Violet Copper |
Lycaena phlaeas
Small Copper |
Lycaena dispar
Large Copper |
Lycaena
virgaureae
Scarce Copper |
| Not pictured
Like virgaureae, no white spots on underside Greece etc. |
Male above, female below.
Widespread
|
Subspecies
gordius below is more spotted than usual.
|
Male above with orange marginal band.
|
| Lycaena ottomana
Grecian Copper |
Lycaena tityrus
Sooty Copper |
Lycaena alciphron
Purple-shot Copper |
Lycaena thersamon
Lesser Fiery Copper |
| Not pictured
Like thersamon, with black wing tips. Greece etc. |
Not pictured
Like thersamon with more spots on upperside. N. Africa |
Not pictured
Purple edge to top and bottom of wings. Widespread |
Not pictured
Suffused bottom half of male hindwing Bulgaria, Greece, etc. |
| Lycaena thetis
Fiery Copper |
Lycaena phoebus
Moroccan Copper |
Lycaena hippothoe
Purple-edged Copper |
Lycaena candens
Balkan Copper |
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