
Jura, France, June 2014

Vaud, Switzerland, May 2017
Field notes and information
This gorgeous little butterfly has a very patch distribution within its range of central and northern Europe. Where it does occur it is very local and colonies are hard to find. The adults are so small the butterfly is difficult to locate too. As a result it is a difficult species to encounter. It can be common when found but most of my experiences are of just a few individuals.
Identification & Similar species: The butterfly is distinctive and unlikely to be confused with other coppers, Lycaena. The upperside violet sheen is striking and particularly noticeable in the male.
Distribution & Flight: A very patchy distribution from the French Pyrenees, west Switzerland and neighbouring France, Belgium, Germany, Poland and Sweden. It flies from May to July depending on location.
Habitat & Behaviour: Damp meadows and bogs with an abundance of the larval food plant bistort, Polygonum bistorta. It flies discretely over the vegetation and neighbouring meadows. Due to its small size it is difficult to spot and is quickly lost to sight.
I was lucky to see the pictured female lay her egg. She landed on a bistort leaf then walked along the mid rib before suddenly walking backwards towards the edge of the leaf, and onto the underside where she quickly laid her egg.
Variation: Both sexes are highly variable.

Fribourg, Switzerland, June 2020



Fribourg, Switzerland, May 2022

Fribourg, Switzerland, May 2022

Fribourg, Switzerland, May 2022

Fribourg, Switzerland, June 2020

Fribourg, Switzerland, June 2020

Fribourg, Switzerland, May 2022
Camera shy


Vaud, Switzerland, May 2020


Vaud, Switzerland, May 2020

Jura, France, July 2006

Vaud, Switzerland, May 2007
Male.


Jura, France, July 2013


Fribourg, Switzerland, June 2020

Fribourg, Switzerland, June2021

Jura, France, July 2013