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Prov. Malaga, Spain, July 2013
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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.
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NW Greece, August 2008
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La Palma, Spain, August 2021
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El Hierro, Spain, August 2021
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Middle Atlas, Morocco, August 2019
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N Norway, July 2022
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Valais, Switzerland, July 2022
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Gennargentu, Sardinia, Italy, July 2015
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Prov. Malaga, Spain, July 2013
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La Gomera, Spain, August 2021
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Peloppensos, Greece, June 2013
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Crete, Greece, April 2014
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Gran Canaria, Spain, March 2016
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Corsica, France, July 2012
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Agadir, Morocco, April 2013