Photo © Alec Harmer
Purple-shot Copper
Lycaena alciphron gordius
Checklist Number61.0023 [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.