Sooty Copper
Lycaena tityrus
The Sooty Copper is a small butterfly species belonging to the family Lycaenidae. Males typically feature dark brown upper wings with black spots, whereas females often display more extensive orange markings. The species usually produces two to three generations per year in Central Europe and overwinters in the larval stage.
Details
Identification
Males are sooty dark brown with black spots on the upper side; females have orange patches on the forewings; the underside of both sexes is grayish-yellow with black spots and a row of orange submarginal spots.
Social behavior
Males exhibit territorial behavior and defend perching sites against competitors.
Diet
Larvae feed specifically on sorrel (e.g., Rumex acetosa); adults feed on nectar from various flowers such as oregano, thyme, or valerian.
Spawning substrate
Eggs are laid on the leaves of sorrel species (Rumex spp.).
Overwintering
Overwinters as a caterpillar (usually in the third larval stage).
Ecology
Ecological role
Important pollinator and prey for insectivorous birds, spiders, and predatory insects.
Natural predators
Birds, spiders, ichneumon wasps (as larval parasitoids).
Competitor species
Other copper butterflies like Lycaena phlaeas when sharing similar habitats.
Ecosystem service
Pollination of wild plants in open land ecosystems.
Threats
Intensification of agriculture, excessive mowing, scrub encroachment on nutrient-poor grasslands, and pesticide use.
Scientific profile
Profile
Distinguishing features
The combination of a yellowish-grey underside with distinct black spots and an orange marginal band is characteristic. Unlike the Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas), the males lack the bright copper-red on the upper forewing. The underside of the hindwing does not have blue spots.
Habitat
Open landscapes; nutrient-poor grasslands, wet meadows, forest edges, ruderal sites, fallow land, and extensively managed meadows from lowlands to montane regions.
Protection & threats
Main threats
Intensification of agriculture (frequent mowing, fertilization), loss of edge structures, scrub encroachment on nutrient-poor grasslands after abandonment, large-scale use of pesticides.
Population trend
Overall stable to moderately declining in Germany; regionally endangered (e.g., in intensively used agricultural landscapes).
Conservation measures
Maintenance and promotion of extensive management practices, creation of habitat corridors, leaving uncut grass strips during mowing, protection of Rumex-rich sites.