(Herrich-Schäffer, 1844)
Balkan Copper
Description:
The Balkan Copper can be found in damp grassland, sub-alpine and alpine meadows, and in woodland clearings with a well-developed herb layer. Populations are usually very local, but within the population, at times very numerous, such as in meadows.
Different sorrels (Rumex spp.), including Common Sorrel (R. acetosa) are used as larval food plants. It has one generation a year.
This butterfly looks very like the Purple-edged Copper (Lycaena hippothoe), and used to be classified as a subspecies of it. However, they occur at different altitudes.
Habitat:
Alpine grasslands
Mesophile grasslands
Similar species:
Lycaena hippothoe
Lycaena dispar
Lycaena thetis