English name:
Lesser Fiery Copper
Full scientific name:
Lycaena thersamon (Esper, 1784)
Croatian name:
Esperov vatreni plavac
Flight Period and Life Cycle
2-3 broods per year.
Distribution in Croatia
The east and south areas. Check the included map.
External Morphology Characteristics
In males, the upper side of both wings is predominantly orange with a thin and dark margin. On the underside of the forewing, in marginal zone, in both sexes, there are two series of small black spots. In the submarginal zone of the underside of the hindwing, there is a series of orange spots. Some individuals have a little tail on the hindwing. Furthermore, in females, the upper side of both wings is less intense in color and with three series of dark spots on the hindwing.
Behavior
Imago feeds with nectar of flowers. Males are more active.
Caterpillar Host Plants
Family Polygonaceae like Rumex aquaticus, Polygonum bistorta and P. aviculare.
Habitat
Anthropogenic meadows. Elevations: 0-500m.
