Sooty copper - Lycaena tityrus

 

Family: Lycaenidae.

Flight Time: April-October.

Size: 28-32mm

Altitude: 50-2500m

 

I'd not come across the Sooty copper until summer 1997, when I saw it in a few places in Bretagne.

Quite distinctly different to the more widespread Small copper, Lycaena phlaeas.

Also the sexes are distinctive, with the Male being sooty and the female a more usual copper colour. See below.

A very dark form subalpinus replaces the usual type high up in the mountains.

 
Fe,male Upperside Female Underside


Fact File
Similar Species Foodplants Habitat Distribution

Lycaena phlaeas

Rumex species. Dock

Many

Sooty copper distribution
 

Early Stages

 

    
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