Large Copper
VU

Large Copper

Lycaena dispar

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Large_copper

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Large Copper faces severe habitat loss due to drainage and conversion of wetlands for agriculture and development, which has eliminated much of its specialized fenland habitat across Europe. Intensive grazing and mowing regimes destroy the Great Water-dock plants essential for larval development, while habitat fragmentation isolates remaining populations and reduces genetic diversity. Climate change poses additional pressure through altered flooding patterns that affect both the butterfly and its host plants.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Large Copper inhabits wet meadows, fens, marshes, and ditch systems where its primary host plant, Great Water-dock (Rumex hydrolapathum), grows abundantly. These specialized wetland habitats require specific water levels and management regimes to maintain the delicate balance between open areas and vegetation growth.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Large Copper classified as Vulnerable?
Large Copper is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Large Copper faces severe habitat loss due to drainage and conversion of wetlands for agriculture and development, which has eliminated much of its specialized fenland habitat across Europe. Intensive grazing and mowing regimes destroy the Great Water-dock plants essential for larval development, while habitat fragmentation isolates remaining populations and reduces genetic diversity. Climate change poses additional pressure through altered flooding patterns that affect both the butterfly and its host plants.
Where does Large Copper live?
Large Copper occurs in Åland Islands, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, and Belarus (plus 45 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Large Copper?
The main threats to Large Copper are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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