Prov. Malaga, Spain, July 2013
Malaga, Spain, May 2019
Field notes and information
Very widespread. Often found singly but can be common to abundant depending on locality and time of year.
Identification & Similar species: The underside is quite distinctive, the small black spots are not circled white and the submarginal red band is near continuous and thin. There is usually a tail on the hind wing. The upperside hindwing is dark brown with a bright solid band of orange, often with blue markings. Many of these features are shared with a few other coppers, Lycaena, but together they are distinctive.
Distribution & Flight: Throughout all of Europe and north Africa, from low levels to alpine meadows. It flies throughout the warmer months in a succession of broods.
Habitat & Behaviour: Diverse, although usually in flowery places. They fly fast and low, settling frequently to sun themselves.
Variation: Variable in most aspects. Frequently with blue spots on the upper hindwing. Orange is often reduced on the upperside in summer broods.
NW Greece, August 2008
La Palma, Spain, August 2021
El Hierro, Spain, August 2021
Middle Atlas, Morocco, August 2019
N Norway, July 2022
Valais, Switzerland, July 2022
Gennargentu, Sardinia, Italy, July 2015
Prov. Malaga, Spain, July 2013
Gran Canaria, Spain, April 2011
La Gomera, Spain, August 2021
Anti-Atlas, Morocco, April 2013
Peloppensos, Greece, June 2013
Crete, Greece, April 2014
Gran Canaria, Spain, March 2016
Corsica, France, July 2012
Agadir, Morocco, April 2013