About Large Copper Butterfly
Once widespread across European wetlands, the English subspecies went extinct in the 1850s. Remaining populations are declining due to drainage of fens and marshes.
Did You Know?
The English subspecies of the large copper was one of the first British butterflies to go extinct — driven to extinction by drainage of the East Anglian fens in the 1850s.
How to Identify Large Copper Butterfly
Large Copper Butterfly (Lycaena dispar) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Lycaenidae. Adults typically measure 33-40 mm wingspan.
Large Copper Butterfly Habitat
Large Copper Butterfly is found in wetlands habitats, particularly across Europe, Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Large Copper Butterfly Diet and Feeding
Large Copper Butterfly feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Where Is Large Copper Butterfly Found?
Large Copper Butterfly can be found in Europe, Asia, where it inhabits wetlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Large Copper Butterfly can be found
Is Large Copper Butterfly Dangerous?
Large Copper Butterfly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Large Copper Butterfly Role in Nature
Large Copper Butterfly plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Large Copper Butterfly
What does Large Copper Butterfly look like?
The Large Copper Butterfly typically measures 33-40 mm wingspan.
Where is Large Copper Butterfly found?
The Large Copper Butterfly is found in Europe, Asia and typically inhabits wetlands environments.
What does Large Copper Butterfly eat?
The Large Copper Butterfly feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Large Copper Butterfly dangerous to humans?
The Large Copper Butterfly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
Is Large Copper Butterfly endangered?
The Large Copper Butterfly is currently classified as Near Threatened by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Large Copper Butterfly?
The English subspecies of the large copper was one of the first British butterflies to go extinct — driven to extinction by drainage of the East Anglian fens in the 1850s.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Large Copper Butterfly (Lycaena dispar). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/large-copper-butterfly
MLA:
"Large Copper Butterfly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/large-copper-butterfly.