Lycaena virgaureae

English name:
Scarce Copper

Full scientific name:
Lycaena virgaureae (Linnaeus, 1758)

Croatian name:
Obični vatreni plavac

Red Book Category in EU: LC

Red Book Category in Croatia: NE

Wings span: 23-32 mm

Lycaena virgaureae, male, Velebit, 0720L4663 — *Lycaena virgaureae*, male, Velebit, 0720L4663

Lycaena virgaureae, female, Velebit, 0720L3059 — *Lycaena virgaureae*, female, Velebit, 0720L3059

Flight Period and Life Cycle

Flight period of Lycaena virgaureae in Croatia — Flight period of *Lycaena virgaureae* in Croatia

1 brood per year. Overwinters as egg.

Distribution in Croatia

Distribution of Lycaena virgaureae in Croatia — Distribution of *Lycaena virgaureae* in Croatia

Coastal mountains. Check the included map.

External Morphology Characteristics

In males, the upper side of both wings is intensely orange-reddish with a dark border. The dark border is more wide in the apex. In both sexes, there is a series of white spots in the submarginal zone of the hindwing’s underside. In females, the upper side of both wings is orange with brown spots. There are two series of brown spots located in marginal and submarginal zones of both wings.

Behavior

Males are more active. Imago feeds with nectar of various flowers.

Caterpillar Host Plants

Genus Rumex like R. acetosa, R. scutatus, R. acetosella and R. crispus.

Habitat

Edges of woodland and bushes with flowering vegetation. Elevations: 500-1700m.

English name: Scarce Copper

Full scientific name: Lycaena virgaureae (Linnaeus, 1758)

Croatian name: Obični vatreni plavac