(Esper, 1784)
Lesser Fiery Copper
Description:
The Lesser Fiery Copper is mostly found on dry, flower-rich grasslands, both on calcareous and acid soils. They are also seen on waste land, very open scrub and rocky slopes. The butterflies are often seen drinking from the flowers of Danewort (Sambucus ebulus). Its most important larval food plant is Knotgrass (Polygonum aviculare), although other Polygonaceae species are perhaps also used. The caterpillars feed on both the flowers and the leaves.
This butterfly species hibernates as a caterpillar and has several generations a year.
Habitat:
Dry siliceous grasslands
Dry calcareous grasslands
Similar species:
Lycaena tityrus
Lycaena alciphron