Photo © Alec Harmer

Purple-shot Copper

Lycaena alciphron gordius

Checklist Number
61.0023 [B&F: 1565]

Verification
Record requires retention of specimen until confirmed, and may require dissection. Consult with CMR if unsure

Classification

Family:Lycaenidae
Subfamily:Lycaeninae
Genus:Lycaena
Species:alciphron gordius
Authority:(Sulzer, 1776)

Local in flower meadows, grassland and rocky areas in mountains throughout much of mainland Europe. The only British record is of one captured by a schoolboy in July 1886 near Sudbury, Suffolk, and probably originated from an immature stage in plants from the continent. Wingspan 32-36 mm. Larva feeds on Dock.