Currently unavailable. The large copper (lycaena dispar dispar) suffered extinction in the UK in the mid nineteenth century, but was re-introduced into Woodwalton Fen during the 1920's. Inital and subsequent re-introduction programmes have used the rare sub-species batavus from the Netherlands, but wild populations have had to be 'seeded' regularly from captive bred stock. Sadly, the Dutch large copper has so far failed to re-establish itself in the UK.
Captive bred stock of ssp.batavus has circulated for many years amongst UK rearers and it is from these breeding programmes that our stock is taken. The large copper lends itself very well to continous breeding over many years.
Larvae feed on great water dock, but will also accept common dock and they can be reared easily in sleeved pots, or even in plastic boxes. There is one main generation each year, with immature larvae overwintering in dried leaves. Freshly emerged adults are an absolute joy to behold.
Larval foodplants: great water dock (rumex hydrolapathum); common dock. (rumex obtusifolius).
Rearing: flowerpot cages, tubs and plastic boxes.
Photographs: immature larvae; mature larvae; full grown larvae; pupae.
