Scarce Copper
CR

Scarce Copper

Lycaena virgaureae

UnknownLCEULCEU

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

Overview

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

The Scarce Copper faces severe population declines across its range due to habitat loss and fragmentation of its specialized moorland and heathland environments. Climate change and intensive land management practices have further reduced the availability of suitable breeding sites and host plants, pushing remaining populations toward critical thresholds.

Threat summary

Habitat

Inhabits upland moorlands, heathlands, and rough grasslands, particularly areas with abundant sorrel (Rumex) species which serve as larval host plants. Prefers flower-rich habitats with scattered scrub and areas of bare ground, typically at elevations between 200-1000m.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Lycaenidae

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Geranium ArgusVU

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Eumedonia eumedon

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Spanish ArgusVU

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Aricia morronensis

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Iolas BlueVU

Iolas Blue

Iolana iolas

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Threatened in Åland Islands

Calidris ferrugineaVU

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Scarce BlackneckCR

Scarce Blackneck

Lygephila craccae

Unknown
EN

knopphodeedderkopp

Walckenaeria nodosa

Unknown
EN

Dolichopus notatus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Scarce Copper classified as Critically Endangered?
Scarce Copper is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The Scarce Copper faces severe population declines across its range due to habitat loss and fragmentation of its specialized moorland and heathland environments. Climate change and intensive land management practices have further reduced the availability of suitable breeding sites and host plants, pushing remaining populations toward critical thresholds.
Where does Scarce Copper live?
Scarce Copper occurs in Åland Islands, Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, and Belarus (plus 41 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 Scarce Copper?
The main threats to Scarce 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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