Large Copper dispar batavus 10 larvae

Large Copper Butterfly Lycaena dispar batavus  Larvae

Now MOST DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN!  This is a rare opportunity!  

These larvae will produce adults this summer.

This is the large and richly coloured Large Copper which originated from Freisland in Holland and is almost indistinguishable from the extinct British Large Copper Lycaena dispar dispar. 

Common Dock is an acceptable foodplant, though if you have their natural foodplant Great Water Dock Rumex hydropathalum, that is even better. It has also been reported to us that the larvae seem to prefer Rumex patientia if offered! They can be reared in plastic boxes on fresh foodplant that is changed daily, but they do best, and are less trouble if you can pot up young fresh plants and keep the larvae on these, either in cages or covered with a sleeve. The larvae grow fast.

Pupae are formed on the stems or sides of the cage. The first sight of the newly emerged butterflies is absolutely breath-taking! July larvae may produce another partial brood if kept warm. Otherwise they go into hibernation.