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Purple-shot copper

Purple-shot copper

Lycaena alciphron

A species of Lycaena

The coloring of the males and the females is very different, i.e. the sexual dimorphism is very strong. The top sides of the wings are red-gold with black spots. The males fluoresce purple, while the females' top side is brown, also with black spots. The rear wings have submarginal spots.

General Info About Purple-shot copper
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Attributes of Purple-shot copper
Colors
Black
Blue
Orange
Habitat
pasture; grassland; embankment; rocky wall; slope; sandy grassland; block field; black forest; limestone area
Adult Food Sources
Buddleia, echinacea, lavandula, centaurea, spiraea
Larva Food Source
Rumex acetosa, rumex acetosella, polygonum aviculare, rumex crispus, rumex patientia
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Purple-shot copper is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Purple-shot copper is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Purple-shot copper feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Purple-shot copper
It can be found in Europe, Morocco, and Turkey.
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Distribution Area of Purple-shot copper
Europe, Morocco, and Turkey
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Appearance of Purple-shot copper
For a key to the terms used, see Glossary of entomology terms. C. alciphron Rott. (= lampetie Schiff., virgaureae Hufn., hiere F., helle Bkh., hipponoe Esp.) (77 a), Lighter yellow and less golden , but occur much more singly and like drier localities. They are busy visiting flowers, especially those of brambles at sunny waysides; gordius is especially fond of clusters of thyme and Sedum album according to Courvoisier, and ascends in the Alps up to 10 000 ft.
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How to Identify Purple-shot copper?

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Life Cycle of Purple-shot copper
Egg The egg stage begins with the female purple-shot copper laying eggs, often on host plants. The eggs are small, and may vary in color and shape depending on the species, but generally have a protective outer layer to withstand environmental conditions.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva of purple-shot copper is primarily focused on feeding and growth. It lacks the wings of the adult form, has a distinctive worm-like appearance, and goes through a series of molts as it increases in size.
Pupal The pupal stage of purple-shot copper is when transformation occurs inside a cocoon where tissues break down and reorganize. During this time, the insect is immobile and may blend with the surroundings for camouflage.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult purple-shot copper develops wings and reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is typically colorful and mobile, focusing on mating and laying eggs.
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Adult Size of Purple-shot copper
3 - 4 cm
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Predators of Purple-shot copper Larvae
Ant species (formicidae), spiders (araneae), wasps (vespidae), birds (aves)
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Predators of Adult Purple-shot copper
Birds (aves), spiders (araneae), ants (formicidae), wasps (vespidae)
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Interesting Facts About Purple-shot copper
Purple-shot copper caterpillars engage in a mutualistic relationship with ants, offering them sweet secretions in exchange for protection against predators.
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Scientific Classification of Purple-shot copper
Tips for Finding Purple-shot copper
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Youth Habitat of Purple-shot copper
Grasslands and Prairies, Forests and Woodlands, Meadows
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Adult Habitat of Purple-shot copper
Grasslands and Prairies, Forests and Woodlands, Meadows, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Purple-shot copper
Adult purple-shot copper may be attracted to various kinds of nectar-producing flowers, ripe fruits, or sometimes specific baits.
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Habitat Preferences of Purple-shot copper Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of purple-shot copper are typically laid on herbaceous plants, often on or near the host plants required for their survival. Caterpillars emerge and live on the host plants, camouflaged and feeding on the plant's tissues. When searching for caterpillars, look in regions with abundant growth of their favored host plants. Pupae can commonly be found in sheltered places near the host plants, such as under leaves or in leaf litter. To locate these, one must carefully inspect the potential hiding spots around the host plants' vicinity. Adult purple-shot copper prefer open and sunny habitats with flowering plants for nectar; thus, searching for them involves visiting meadows, fields, and open woodland edges during warm, sunny weather.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Purple-shot copper
The best time to find purple-shot copper can vary but is typically during warmer months when they are most active. Early mornings or late afternoons, when the temperatures are not too hot, are suitable times for observation.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Purple-shot copper
Calm, sunny, and warm weather is ideal for finding purple-shot copper, as they are more likely to be active and visible during such conditions.
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How and Where Can You Find Purple-shot copper at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of purple-shot copper are laid on host plants. To find them, carefully inspect the leaves, stems, and flowers of known host plants for small, often round or oblong eggs, which can sometimes have distinct colorations or patterns.
Larva Purple-shot copper larvae can be found on or near their host plants. Look for signs of feeding, such as chewed leaves, and gently search the plant to locate them. Larvae may vary in color or pattern, so approach with keen observation.
Pupal Pupae of purple-shot copper are commonly attached to plants or hidden in leaf litter. Search around the base of host plants or in nearby decaying organic matter. Pupae may blend in with their environment, so look for shapes or textures that stand out.
Adult Adult purple-shot copper are most commonly seen flying around host plants or feeding on nectar. Search floral areas, especially those with a diversity of blooms. Males may also be found perching on exposed spots for territorial or mating displays.
Are Purple-shot copper harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Purple-shot copper
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Asteraceae
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Purple-shot copper engages in pollination primarily while feeding on pollen. They are particularly attracted to the shape and color of Asteraceae. This close interaction with the plants makes them effective at transferring pollen between flowers.
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