Sooty Copper Lycaena tityrus, male, Őrs�g NP, Hungary – Peter Bruce-Jones
Introduction
There are over 70 species of Copper butterfly in the genus Lycaena, the vast majority of which are found in the Holarctic region ( North America, Europe and the part of Asia north of the Himalayas ). There are also however at least 5 species in Africa including the Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas, and several in the Oriental region. Additionally there is a single species in Papua New Guinea, and no less than 4 in New Zealand. Australia and South America each have the great misfortune to have not even a single species of this exquisite genus of butterflies.
All Lycaena species are small and of similar shape, and all but a tiny handful have a shimmering fiery copper sheen on their uppersides.
There are 12 species in Europe, of which tityrus is one of the most common, occuring over most of southern and central Europe. It also occurs across much of temperate ( Holarctic ) Asia.
Sooty Copper Lycaena tityrus, female, Orfalu, Őrs�g, Hungary – Peter Bruce-Jones
Habitats
This adaptable species is found in a wide variety of habitats including flowery meadows, dry scrub, damp forest clearings and sub-alpine pastures, at elevations between about 50-2400m.
Lifecycle
The larval foodplants are Rumex acetosa and scutatus ( Polygonaceae ).
Adult behaviour
The adults have a rapid erratic flight. They bask with wings partially open on low herbage.
Sooty Copper Lycaena tityrus, Bulgaria – Emily Halsey