Greenland Copper vs Dingy Arctic Fritillary
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Greenland Copper | Dingy Arctic Fritillary |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lycaena phlaeas polaris | Boloria improba |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 22-28 mm wingspan | 26-32 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Tundra & Arctic | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Greenland, Iceland, Arctic Scandinavia | Arctic Scandinavia, Svalbard, Arctic Russia, Alaska, Canadian Arctic |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
Greenland Copper
The Arctic subspecies of the small copper butterfly, smaller and darker than its temperate counterparts. The forewings are bright copper-orange with dark spots. It is one of few butterflies found in southern Greenland.
Did You Know?
The Greenland population is believed to have survived the last Ice Age in a coastal refugium, making it a true glacial relict.
Dingy Arctic Fritillary
One of the smallest Arctic fritillaries with dull orange-brown wings and dark markings. The underside is mottled brown and gray with a mossy, cryptic appearance. It has a weak, fluttering flight close to the ground.
Did You Know?
This butterfly is so rare and localized that some populations consist of fewer than 100 individuals on isolated mountain summits.