Butterfly ID
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Field guide · Denmark
Blues, coppers and hairstreaks · Denmark

Purple-edged copper

Lycaena hippothoe

Purple-edged copper is relatively rare in Denmark. Wing span: 28-36 mm. Purple-edged copper has only one generation, which flies from early June to mid-July. Purple-edged copper is found on two types of locations.

Status in this countryRelatively rare in DenmarkNT (Near threatened)
Purple-edged copper

Flight period

Purple-edged copper has only one generation, which flies from early June to mid-July.

Habitat

Purple-edged copper is found in two types of locations. It is found in the nutrient-rich areas of mires and meadows, often with shrubs or trees nearby.

Identifying features

Wingspan: 28-36 mm. Purple-edged copper is a rather large fritillary.

Similar species

Purple-edged copper can likely only be confused with scarce copper (Lycaena virgaureae). However, the male is easily distinguished by the fact that purple-edged copper has a clear spot in the middle of its wings, which the male of scarce copper does not.

Distribution

Purple-edged copper was previously a common butterfly throughout Denmark, but today it only appears relatively common in Middle and North Jutland. In East and West Jutland, it is more rare, and in South Jutland, it is almost extinct.

Biology

The eggs are laid individually on the plants common sorrel (Rumex acetosa) and sheep's sorrel (Rumex acetosella). The larva hatches after 1-2 weeks and feeds on the plants until the next moult, after which it hides deep within the vegetation to overwinter as a larva.