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| Heodes virgaureae, male (left) and female (right) on Achillea millefolium. - Photographed by Taina |
| Heodes virgaureae � Scarce Copper (Lycaenidae) Appearance: A absolute delight to the eye, this lovely grassland butterfly has gold in its wings. The sexes look different; the male has shiny bright orange wings with a dark border, while the female is less flamboyant with orange-buff wings and suffused with dark spots. Their wingspan varies from 30 to 38 mm. Geographical distribution/ habitat: The temperate regions of Europe and Asia as far as Mongolia; absent from Britain, the Benelux countries and North of France. Prefers grassy meadows and mountainous areas. Host plants: Field sorrel (Polygoniaceae), species of dock (Rumex). Food plants: Visits various wildflowers. Flight time: From July to August. There is one generation per year. Other: Hibernates as an egg. Photos and Information Index Home Butterfly Garden |