Large Copper
Lycaena dispar
The Large Copper is a striking butterfly from the Lycaenidae family, known for the brilliant golden-red upper wings of the males. It is a flagship species for near-natural wetlands and floodplains, where the larvae feed on dock species. Due to extensive habitat loss, it is highly endangered in many parts of Europe and is strictly protected under international conservation laws.
Details
Identification
Upperside of wings bright orange-red; underside of hindwings bluish-grey with black spots ringed in white and an orange submarginal band.
Social behavior
Solitary; males establish territories on prominent plant structures to attract mates.
Diet
Larvae feed exclusively on dock (Rumex); adults feed on nectar from plants such as Purple Loosestrife or Ragwort.
Spawning substrate
Leaves of dock species, especially Great Water Dock (Rumex hydrolapathum).
Overwintering
Overwinters as a young larva (L2 instar) in the leaf litter at the base of the host plant.
Ecology
Ecological role
Pollinator in wetland habitats and part of the food web for predatory arthropods and birds.
Natural predators
Spiders, assassin bugs, birds, and ichneumon wasps as larval parasitoids.
Competitor species
Other dock-feeding insect larvae, though rarely in direct competition.
Ecosystem service
Pollination of wild plants in marsh and bog landscapes.
Threats
Drainage of bogs, agricultural intensification, scrub encroachment on wet meadows, and habitat fragmentation.
Scientific profile
Profile
Distinguishing features
Largest native copper butterfly; hindwing underside is bluish-grey (not yellowish or brown) with a distinct orange marginal band; males show a characteristic blue dusting at the base of the hindwing underside; larvae are woodlouse-shaped and green.
Habitat
Open wetland habitats: fens, wet meadows, river floodplains, silting zones of lakes, ditch margins, and sedge marshes.
Protection & threats
Main threats
Drainage of wetlands, agricultural intensification (frequent mowing, fertilization), abandonment of land use (scrub encroachment), fragmentation and isolation of remaining populations.
Population trend
Severely declining or extinct in Western Europe; locally stabilized in Central Europe through conservation measures, but overall threatened.
Conservation measures
Preservation and restoration of wetland complexes, implementation of mosaic mowing to protect eggs and larvae, protection of host plant stands, habitat connectivity.