Chequered copper
Lucia limbaria

Rare. Occasionally seen in undisturbed fringe urban areas, or in meadow areas and reserves.

Caterpillars eat native sorrel and form a close relationship with small black ants.

Greg Coote’s 2020 video of symbiosis

Understand why we are seeking to conserve Lucia limbaria (Chequered Copper) in the Adelaide Park Lands

You can learn a lot more about this butterfly, on the research-quality website now managed by BCSA, (here)

Key Facts

Family:lycaenidae
Size (Male):23mm
Size (Female):25mm
Mature Larva Length:16-18mm
Months of Flight:jan, feb, mar, apr, sep, oct, nov, dec
Abundance:rare
Alternate Names:Grassland copper or Small copper
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