About Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper)
New Zealand's most common endemic butterfly, a small copper-coloured species found in open habitats throughout the country. Males are bright coppery-orange above while females are duller with more dark markings. Larvae feed on native Muehlenbeckia vines.
Did You Know?
The common copper is the only representative of the family Lycaenidae native to New Zealand.
How to Identify Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper)
Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper) (Lycaena salustius) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Lycaenidae. Adults typically measure 20-30 mm wingspan.
Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper) Habitat
Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper) is found in beaches & coastal habitats, particularly across Oceania (New Zealand). This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper) Diet and Feeding
Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper) 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 Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper) Found?
Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper) can be found in Oceania (New Zealand), where it inhabits beaches & coastal environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper) can be found
Is Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper) Dangerous?
Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper) 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.
Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper) Role in Nature
Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper) 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 Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper)
What does Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper) look like?
The Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper) typically measures 20-30 mm wingspan.
Where is Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper) found?
The Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper) is found in Oceania (New Zealand) and typically inhabits beaches & coastal environments.
What does Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper) eat?
The Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper) feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper) dangerous to humans?
The Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper) is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper)?
The common copper is the only representative of the family Lycaenidae native to New Zealand.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper) (Lycaena salustius). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/pepe-para-riki-common-copper
MLA:
"Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper)." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/pepe-para-riki-common-copper.