Lycaena phoebus

Moroccan Copper

euroButterflies

by Matt Rowlings

copyright © 2003-2023

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Photo: phoebusL5.jpg

Anti-Atlas, Morocco, April 2013

Female

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Anti-Atlas, Morocco, April 2013

Male

Field notes and information

A glorious endemic from the mountains and plains of Morocco.

Identification & Similar species: Only the small copper L. phlaeas is similar in N Africa. The orange upperside hindwings and spots on the underside of the current species make separation easy.

Distribution & Flight: Lower levels around Marrakech where it flies in spring (March-June) and then in the High and Anti Atlas mountains upto 2200m in mid to late summer.

Habitat & Behaviour: Flies in flowery places. In my limited experience found near marshes or water courses.

Photo: phoebusL6.jpg

Anti-Atlas, Morocco, April 2013

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Anti-Atlas, Morocco, April 2013

Females

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Anti-Atlas, Morocco, April 2013

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Anti-Atlas, Morocco, April 2013

Males.

Photo: phoebusL9.jpgPhoto: phoebusL8.jpgPhoto: phoebusL12.jpg

Anti-Atlas, Morocco, April 2013

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Anti-Atlas, Morocco, April 2013

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Anti-Atlas, Morocco, April 2013

Photo: phoebusL11.jpg

Anti-Atlas, Morocco, April 2013