Species Action Plan Large Copper Lycaena Dispar October 1995

species action plan large copper lycaena dispar october 1995 compiled by : l.k.barnett & m.s.warren butterfly

Species Action Plan
Large Copper
Lycaena dispar
October 1995
Compiled by :
L.K.Barnett & M.S.Warren
Butterfly Conservation
P.O.Box 444
Wareham
Dorset
BH20 5YA
Tel: 01929 400209
This species action plan is an unpublished working document produced
to focus and co-ordinate the conservation of the Large Copper
butterfly in the UK over the next five to ten years. It has been
prepared under the Action for Butterflies project which is funded by
WWF-UK, English Nature, the Countryside Council for Wales and Scottish
Natural Heritage.
The Action Plan was prepared in consultation with the following
organisations in the hope that they will participate in the actions
outlined: Broads Authority, RSPB (Norfolk), Norfolk Wildlife Trust,
Cambs Beds & Hunts Wildlife Trust, Keele University, NRA, MAFF and
English Nature.
Outline Paper / First draft :April 1995
Pathfinder Meeting : May 1995
Second Draft : June 1995
Final Draft : August 1995
Approved by Steering Group : October 1995
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to the following for their comments at the Pathfinder
meeting and/or on subsequent drafts; Jane Madgewick, Clive Doarks,
Gary Kennison, Jo Parmenter (all Broads Authority); Andrew Pullin
(Keele University), Eric Duffey (Woodwalton Fen Committee), Matthew
Shardlow (RSPB Norfolk), George Taylor (Norfolk Wildlife Trust),
Alison Craig (Cambridge, Beds And Northants Wildlife Trust), Ian
McLean, Dave Sheppard, Alan Bowley (English Nature), Adrian Fowles
(Countryside Council for Wales), Dave Phillips (Scottish Natural
Heritage) & Michael Chinery.
Butterfly Conservation (the British Butterfly Conservation Society)
has an overriding objective to ensure a future for butterflies, moths
and their habitats. In order to achieve this objective its aims are
· to raise public awareness of the plight of our butterflies and
moths.
· to reduce the decline of commoner species and to increase the
numbers of rarer species.
· to work with and advise other conservation groups, local bodies and
agencies on techniques of land management which favour butterflies and
moths and related wildlife.
· to acquire and manage habitats for butterflies and moths.
· to encourage the research (both at amateur and professional levels)
on butterflies and moths.
· support and encourage butterfly and moth conservation world-wide.
Registered Office of Butterfly Conservation: Shakespeare House, High
Street, Dedham, Colchester, Essex, CO7 6DE. Registered in England No.
2206468 Registered Charity No. 254937.
CONTENTS
Page
Summary 4
Part 1 Overview
1.1 Priority Statement 5
1.2 Broad Objectives 5
1.3 Legal Status 5
1.4 Status and level of biological knowledge 6
Part 2 Biological Assessment
2.1 Introduction 7
2.2 Ecology 7
2.3 Distribution and Population 8
2.4 Limiting Factors 9
2.5 Resume of Conservation to Date 10
Part 3 Actions and Work Programme
3.1 Policy and Legislative 13
3.2 Site Safeguard And Acquisition 13
3.3 Land Management 13
3.4 Species Management and Protection 14
3.5 Advisory 14
3.6 International 15
3.7 Future Research, Survey and Monitoring 15
3.8 Communications and Publicity 16
3.9 Review 16
Abbreviations 16
References 17
Appendix 1 Current Distribution of the Large Copper in The UK. 19
Appendix 2 A. Factors Affecting Large Copper Larvae Mortality. 20
B. Conditions That Management For The Large Copper
Should Aim For .
Summary
· The Large Copper, Lycaena dispar is listed in the UK Red Data Book
as an extinct species. It is endangered in Europe, and protected under
the Bern Convention and Habitats Directive. Its world status is
endangered. The Dutch univoltine populations which have great
similarities to extinct British ones, are particularly at risk as they
are probably restricted to one locality in the Netherlands. It is
protected in the UK for sale only.
· In north-west Europe L. dispar breeds in open fenland habitat where
its larvae feed exclusively on Great Water Dock, Rumex hydrolapathum.
The major threat to the butterfly in the UK is the invasion by woody
plants reducing the areas of open fen vegetation. This may happen due
to lack of management, or to the fen habitat drying out due to human
activities (e.g. water abstraction) or in the longer term by natural
processes, such as peat formation. Other threats include high water
tables in fenland habitat during autumn/winter for prolonged periods
(due to the rise in sea level and lack of flood control) and in the
longer term the very limited appropriate donor populations in Europe
(i.e. just one reserve in the Netherlands).
· The major objectives of this Action Plan are divided into two
levels. The immediate objective is to determine the feasibility of a
Large Copper re-establishment programme in the UK. If this proves to
be possible, the longer term objective of the Plan is to restore a
viable network of interconnected populations of the univoltine race in
the UK.
· The immediate objectives of this plan will be achieved by research
aimed at improving our knowledge of the ecology and habitat
requirements of the univoltine race of the Large Copper, and the
management techniques required to create appropriate conditions for
the Water Dock (especially in the Broads); and by assessing the
suitability of present fen habitat for the butterfly and the potential
for restoring suitable habitat. The longer term objective will be
achieved through strategic introductions into suitable habitats.
· The Action Plan embodies the idea that all actions within it should
be compatible with management of fen habitat as a whole, supporting
such documents as the Broads Plan and Fen Management Strategy.
· The Action Plan covers the next ten years, will be monitored
annually and reviewed in the year 2000 or earlier time if the
situation demands.
Part 1 Overview
1.1 PRIORITY STATEMENT
The Large Copper, Lycaena dispar is included in the British Red Data
Book of Insects as an extinct species (Shirt, 1987), and the extent of
its decline in Europe has merited its inclusion on the Bern
Convention. It is also currently listed as endangered in the IUCN
(World) Red Data Book (IUCN 1990), and as an endangered species in
Europe (Heath 1981). High priority should therefore be afforded to
both assessing the suitability of existing fen habitat and the
potential for restoring suitable habitat for the Large Copper, with
the long term aim of re-establishing viable populations in the UK.
Such a programme has a clear link with conservation of the species in
The Netherlands as it has the potential to provide an important
reserve population for the highly endangered univoltine subspecies.
1.2 BROAD OBJECTIVES
1) Conduct research on the suitability of remaining fen habitat for
the univoltine race of the Large Copper, and the viability of a
re-establishment programme.
2) Encourage the maintenance and restoration of potential habitats.
3) Long term objective to restore a viable network of interconnected
populations of the univoltine race.
4) Incorporate the actions within this plan with fen habitat as a
whole.
1.3 LEGAL STATUS
The Large Copper is listed on Schedule 5 (for sale only) of the
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is also listed under Annexes II
and IV of the EC Habitats Directive (1992) as a species requiring
strict protection in its own right (IV) and designation of Special
Areas of Conservation (II). It is protected under the Convention on
the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern
Convention). The Large Copper has been proposed for full protection
under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
Table 1 The Status and Level of Biological Knowledge
Population -size Represented in Britain during 1980s at one site,
Woodwalton Fen in Cambridgeshire, though this population is now
believed to be extinct
-trend, numbers Probably extinct
-trend, range Probably extinct
Knowledge of -status Good
-trends Good
-conservation Moderate requirements
Part 2 Biological Assessment
2.1 INTRODUCTION
The British univoltine populations of the L. dispar became extinct in
the mid 19th century, having been found mainly in the East Anglian
fens. Several attempts have been made to re-establish the species to
Britain, most recently at Woodwalton Fen in Cambridgeshire using the
closely related Dutch univoltine populations. The re-introduced colony
is believed to be too small now to survive in the wild without
protection and this plan focuses on investigating alternative sites
where it might be possible to re-establish free-living univoltine
populations once more in Britain.
2.2 ECOLOGY
There is virtually nothing known about the life history of the extinct
British populations except that which is inferred from the Dutch
populations. The two are similar in that they both have only one
generation per year (univoltine) and feed solely on one food plant,
the Great Water Dock, Rumex hydrolapathum. This is in contrast to
populations elsewhere in Europe which have a bivoltine life cycle and
feed on a number of species in the genus Rumex.
The Dutch populations of L. dispar lay eggs during July and August on
the leaves of the Great Water Dock in open fenland areas where the
food plant occurs at a high density in relatively open, sunny
positions (Duffey 1968, Bink, 1972). The plants used are rarely in
low-lying positions as eggs laid in such conditions experience high
mortality if flooded for lengthy periods. Newly hatched larvae are
yellow with long hair, but they quickly turn green. On hatching the
larvae begin feeding on the underside of the leaves, creating a
characteristic “window” since the upper epidermis is not eaten. This
is easily seen by the experienced observer, making detection and
counting of larvae relatively easy. Larvae reach the second instar and
begin diapause (hibernation) in mid-September, characterised by
cessation of feeding and migration down the plant and on to the ageing
leaves around the base. They do not appear to move on to surrounding
vegetation. The diapause state is not obligatory as it can be averted
by exposing the first two larval instars to long photoperiods and high
temperatures (Pullin et al., 1995), but under normal conditions the
shortening photoperiods of early September induce diapause. The
hibernating larvae acquire a reddish tinge and stay in their
overwintering site until warm spring weather (around April) encourages
them to crawl back up the plant on to young growing shoots. They then
continue feeding until pupation in June, which takes place either on
the plant or on nearby vegetation. The adults are on the wing in July
and August.
Little is known about adult behaviour and particularly dispersal,
partly due to the difficulty of following the butterfly in fen
habitats and the low density at which populations seem to exist. Some
evidence from population monitoring in The Netherlands suggests that
the adults may be able to colonise habitats as far as 20 km away from
existing populations, presumable by flying along water courses (Pullin
et al., 1995).
2.3 DISTRIBUTION AND POPULATION
L. dispar is distributed over a large area of Europe and into Asia. It
is commonly divided into three main subspecies (e.g. Higgins and
Hargreaves, 1983): L. dispar dispar Haworth, confined to England; L.
d. batavus Oberthur confined to The Netherlands and the more distinct
L. d. rutilus Werneburg., which is double brooded and widespread,
though declining in Europe. L. d. dispar and L. d. batavus are
regarded as being very similar; both in their physical appearance and
univoltine physiology.
More detailed treatments describe other European subspecies
(Bretherton 1966). There is very little information on the species
taxonomy and distribution in eastern Europe and Asia.
British Populations
L. d. dispar was never common in England and was first recorded in
1749 from Dozen’s Bank near Spalding, Lincolnshire (Heath, 1983).
There is good evidence that its range in the early nineteenth century
included Lincolnshire, Huntingdonshire and Cambridgeshire across to
the Norfolk Broads. Less reliable information suggests that there were
also more westerly populations on the Somerset levels and the Wye
marshes in Monmouthshire (Pullin et al 1995).
The species was probably already in decline when it was first
recorded, as it seems to have disappeared rapidly from Lincolnshire
and was last recorded in Huntingdon at Holme Fen around 1847 or 1848
and in Cambridgeshire at Bottisham Fen in 1851. The last British
record may well be from the Norfolk Broads where specimens were taken
at Ranworth in 1860 and Woodbastwick in 1864 (Irwin 1984). The
univoltine sub species is now represented in the UK at only one site,
Woodwalton Fen, Cambridgeshire, where the closely related Dutch Large
Copper was introduced in 1927. However this population is now believed
to be extinct.
Dutch Populations
L . d. batavus was not discovered until 1915 at Nyetrine near
Wolvegain Friesland, and was probably already declining at this time.
It has since been recorded at just 13 sites (excluding introductions)
and by 1970 was reduced to small populations within a marshland area
in north-west Overijsel and south-east Friesland (Bink, 1970). In 1992
only four populations were known to exist, and only one of these was
substantial and within an extensive wetland area. In 1993, it was only
recorded in the Weerribben National Park and the univoltine sub
species is now considered highly endangered in a world context
(Wynhoff & van Swaay, 1995).
2.4 LIMITING FACTORS
Historical
There is a consensus of opinion that the decline of the Large Copper
was an inevitable consequence of habitat loss due to widespread
drainage together with general intensification of agriculture. In some
areas (e.g. the Broads) changes in habitat management may also have
played a role in its decline. Once confined to small, isolated
populations, its extinction may have been accelerated due to
overcollection and /or random fluctuation of small populations, but
these can only be seen as secondary causes.
Possible Current and Future Limiting Factors
Reduction in the area of open fen vegetation due to invasion by woody
plants, from lack of management, or drying out of fens by natural
processes, such as peat formation in the long term, or possibly as a
result of human activities (e.g. water abstraction).
High water tables in fen habitat during autumn/winter for prolonged
periods (due to the lack of flood control and rise in sea level).
Difficulties of implementing practical management regimes that
maintain an open vegetation structure.
Excess nitrates and phosphates in ground and surface water may cause
deterioration of vegetation.
Inability to keep a self-sustaining population at Woodwalton Fen,
indicating that the habitat is either too small, or not managed
ideally for the species, or that we have an incomplete understanding
of the requirements of the species, or that the genetic diversity of
the greenhouse colony is too low to allow it to be viable in the wild,
or a combination of all four factors.
Potential appropriate donor populations in Europe are now very limited
(i.e. just one reserve in the Netherlands).
2.5 RESUME OF CONSERVATION TO DATE
The Large Copper is famous among British Lepidopterists as one of the
earliest recorded butterfly extinctions and for the early attempts at
re-establishment.
Since the extinction of the British populations of the Large Copper, a
number of attempts have been made to re-establish populations in by
introducing one of the European subspecies. The bivoltine sub species
L. d. rutilus was introduced to Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire, in 1909
(Verrall, 1909) and following years with little success; to
Greenfields, Co. Tipperary in 1913 and 1914 by E.B. Purefoy, where the
colony survived until 1928; and to the Norfolk Broads in 1926 at
Woodbastwick, where it survived until 1936 (Duffey, 1968). The
univoltine subspecies L. d. batavus was introduced to Woodwalton Fen,
Huntingdonshire in 1927. This colony has been maintained to the early
1990s, through a policy of protecting larvae and by supplementing the
population by further adult releases from cage-raised stock. It was
also introduced to Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire, in 1930 where it
survived until 1942; to the Norfolk Broads, near Surlingham, in 1949
where it survived for only one year; and to Greenfields, Co.
Tipperary, in 1926 where it survived until 1938, and again in 1943
with survival until 1953 or 1954 (Oates and Warren, 1990).
Although many attempts at re-establishment of the Large Copper have
been made little information has been gained on why the introductions
failed. The mistake made in the past was that many of the such
attempts were carried out with little knowledge of the butterfly’s
precise ecological requirements, and with little or no detailed
monitoring. The notable exception to this is the work of Eric Duffey
at Woodwalton Fen which is described below.
The Woodwalton Population
In the period between the initial introduction to Woodwalton in 1927
and 1955 there is no evidence that the reintroduced populations of L.
d. rutilius and later of batavus survived for any length of time
without protection from predators and parasitoids by caging larvae in
the spring.
However , no extensive records were kept and no scientific assessment
can be made. From 1955 the warden kept records of the numbers of
larvae and pupae and timing of the life cycle, and in 1960 an
experiment was set up to compare the survival of a wild and a caged
colony (Duffey 1968). The wild population never reached high numbers
from the 24 larvae introduced, and the population went extinct in 1966
and may have done so sooner if some immigration of individuals from
the caged population had not occurred.
An abnormal flood in July of 1968 caused a dramatic decline in the
number of eggs in the remaining population. By 1969 only five adults
remained and these failed to reproduce leading to extinction of the
Woodwalton colony (Duffey and Mason, 1970). However, several captive
populations of the Woodwalton stock remained, and over 1000 adults
were used to re-establish the colony in 1970 (Duffey, 1977). These
were added to, from the same sources, from 1971 to 1973. Subsequently,
large annual reductions in size of the population made it necessary to
constantly replenish the wild stock with individuals reared under
greenhouse conditions.
In 1987 a joint Butterfly Conservation (BC) and English Nature (EN)
project started recording changes in the wild population at Woodwalton
Fen. Michael Chinery (BC) and Ian McLean (EN) co-ordinated annual
counts carried out by volunteers from the Cambridgeshire and Essex
Branch of BC.
A large release of adults was made from greenhouse stock and was
followed by annual counts of adults, eggs and larvae on the fen. Even
with the large numbers of adults present that year and the fine
weather during the flight period, transect counts along pathways
around the principal breeding areas where the butterfly was known to
breed resulted in only a few sightings. Subsequently counts were
confined to eggs and larvae. A rapid decline was recorded from 1987 to
1989 for both eggs and larvae. From 1989 onwards numbers were more
stable at a low level, but by the summer of 1994 after extensive
flooding the previous winter there was no evidence that the Large
Copper existed on the fen from the re-establishment (Ian McLean pers.
comm).
Current Studies
A further project was started by Ian McLean and Andrew Pullin in 1989,
with the aim of studying the ecology of the Woodwalton population,
leading to management proposals that would allow a self-sustaining
population on the fen (Pullin et al., 1995). The work concentrated on
larval mortality, and the effect of management on the population. In
addition, the project aims to identify sites in eastern England
(within the species former range) that are suitable for trial
re-establishments. Recently, these studies have concentrated on the
Norfolk Broads. This is the only extensive area of fen habitat that
remains in the UK and is thus one of the few areas that might
eventually support a self-sustaining colony of the Large Copper.
Results from this project and studies on the Dutch populations have
indicated factors that appear to be important regarding larval
mortality, and the type of conditions that management should be aiming
at to maintain a self-sustaining population on receptor sites. These
are detailed in Table 1 (sections A and B).
Nature Conservation in the Broads
The Broads Authority produced a Draft Broads Plan in 1993 which
attempts to address the differing demands on the Broads. It was
produced as the result of many hours of discussion by people with
specialist knowledge and specialist interest in the Broads. The Plan
is not only concerned with conserving and enhancing the natural beauty
of the Broads but also controlling its development so that patterns of
commercial use do not diminish its quality.
The Broads Authority, working in partnership with English Nature, is
committed not only to halting the decline of the fens but to restoring
all the fen which has been recently lost to scrub. As well as
considerable resources being channelled into fenland management, the
Broads Authority and English Nature has embarked on the preparation of
a fen management strategy. This is a co-ordinated approach involving
land owners and managers to put into practice a long-term management
plan for the whole of the fens. The first stage was to set up a
three-year botanical survey to analyse and map the fen resource, and
to collate historical records and management. This information
together with results from management trials and information on the
distribution of birds, invertebrates and mammals is intended to
provide a database to help define distribution priorities.
Of the areas that are likely to be suitable for the Large Copper in
the Broads (i.e. with Water Dock) over 90% are already SSSIs and many
are covered by management agreements (with EN or the Broads
Authority). In addition an Environmentally Sensitive Area has become
successfully established in the Broads, which is a cornerstone in
maintaining and enhancing the distinctive Broads grazing marsh
landscapes.
Other Current Studies
Comparative studies of habitat are now underway in the Weeribben and
the Broads to assess the suitability of re-introduction sites in the
latter (Pullin & Webb, in press). Additionally autoecological research
is focusing on male territorial requirements, larval overwintering
survival and genetic diversity.
Part 3 Actions and Work Programme
Organisation(s) primarily responsible
This section has been divided into the standard headings Policy and
Legislative; Site Safeguard and Acquisition; Land Management; Species
Protection and Licensing; Advisory; International; Future Research and
Monitoring; Communications and Publicity; Review. Actions are given a
low, medium or high priority. The lead organisation(s) concerned for
each action is/are named.
3.1 POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE
Action 1 PRIORITY: HIGH ESSENTIAL
Promote beneficial land management on existing fen habitats and
potential habitats to produce open fen habitat.
EN,
BA, NRA
3.2 SITE SAFEGUARD AND ACQUISITION
Action 2 PRIORITY: LOW
Continue to safeguard all potential introduction sites once these are
identified (see also action in future research and monitoring) by
acquisition as nature reserves and designation as SSSIs.
EN, BA
Action 3 PRIORITY: LOW
Continue to enforce the Broads Plan.
All
3.3 LAND MANAGEMENT
Action 4 PRIORITY: HIGH
Continue appropriate management of existing open fen and extend this
habitat by clearance of willow scrub, maintaining high water tables
and reducing fluctuation in water levels (where possible) under the
control of land managers etc.
All
Action 5 PRIORITY: HIGH
Integrate management for the Large Copper with that for fen habitat as
a whole.
BA, EN
Action 6 PRIORITY: MEDIUM (LONG TERM)
Encourage the restoration of suitable breeding habitats in potential
establishment areas.
KU, BC, EN
3.4 SPECIES MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION
Action 7 PRIORITY: HIGH (LONG TERM)
Conduct strategic reintroductions into suitable habitats, using
genetically diverse stock obtained from wild populations in the
Netherlands.
KU, BC, EN
Action 8 PRIORITY: LOW
Encourage and enforce legislation to prevent collection of the Large
Copper following reintroduction.
EN
Action 9 PRIORITY: LOW
Arrange appropriate wardening at all existing and future
re-establishment sites to prevent illegal collecting or accidental
disturbance and to help with monitoring.
EN, BC
3.5 ADVISORY
Action 10 PRIORITY: MEDIUM
Advise site owners/managers on practical habitat management for the
Large Copper .
EN, BC
3.6 INTERNATIONAL
Action 11 PRIORITY: HIGH
Encourage governments and conservation agencies to cooperate with the
conservation of L. dispar butterflies throughout their range,
especially the univoltine race in the Netherlands.
JNCC, KU, BC, DA(N)
3.7 FUTURE RESEARCH, SURVEY AND MONITORING
Action 12 PRIORITY: HIGH (URGENT)
Identify the ecology and habitat requirements of the univoltine race
of the Large Copper; appropriate habitat management techniques, and
environmental conditions in potential re-establishment sites.
KU, BC
Action 13 PRIORITY: HIGH (URGENT)
Compile a list of potentially suitable strategic sites that could be
used for re-establishments (one or two per valley system) which will
include
1) currently suitable sites (with willing land owners)
2) sites that are suitable but not available at present
3) potential sites that need a lot of work
This list should be revised in light of research.
BC, KU, EN, BA
Action 14 PRIORITY: HIGH
The situation regarding the Large Copper at Woodwalton Fen should be
reviewed by the Fen Advisory Committee and any plans incorporated into
the overall management of the nature reserve.
EN, BC, KU
Action 15 PRIORITY: LOW
Investigate relatedness of Dutch/British L. dispar.
KU
Action 16 PRIORITY: LOW
Take advantage of research opportunities that arise through any future
restoration schemes.
KU
3.8 COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLICITY
Action 17 PRIORITY: HIGH
Publicise the decline of L. dispar and measures needed to conserve it.
BC and All
Action 18 PRIORITY: LOW
Publicise this Action Plan, once ecological studies have been
completed and if re-establishment will proceed.
All
3.9 REVIEW
Action 19 PRIORITY: MEDIUM
Review this Action Plan annually and update in five years.
EN/BC
Key to Abbreviations
All - All organisations below excluding DA(N)
BA - Broads Authority
BC - Butterfly Conservation
DA(N) - Department of Agriculture (Netherlands)
EN - English Nature
JNCC - Joint Nature Conservation Committee
KU - Biological Sciences, Keele University
NRA - National Rivers Authority
References
Bink , F.A. (1970) A Review Of The Introductions Of Thersamonia dispar
Haw. (Lep. Lycaenidae) And The Speciation Problem. Entomolgische
Berichten 30 p179-83.
Bink, F.A. (1972) Het Onderzoek Naar De Grote Vuurvlinder (Lycaena
dispar batavus Oberthur) In Nederland (Lep., Lycaenidae). Ent. Ber.,
Amst., 32 p225 - 39.
Bretherton, R.F. (1966) A Distribution List Of The Butterflies
(Rhopalocera) Of Western And Southern Europe. Transactions Of The
Society For British Entomology, 17 (1) p1-94.
Duffey, E.. (1968) Ecological Studies On The Large Copper Butterfly
Lycaena dispar (Haw.) batavus (Obth.) On Woodwalton Fen National
Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire England, 1969-73. Biological
Conservation 12 p143 - 58.
Duffey, E. (1977) The re-establishment of the Large Copper Butterfly
Lycaena dispar batavus (Obth.) On Woodwalton Fen National Nature
Reserve, Huntingdon. Journal of Animal Ecology 5 p69-96.
Duffey, E. & Mason, G. (1970) Some Effects Of Summer Floods On
Woodwalton Fen in 1968/69. Entomologist’s Gazette 21 p23-6.
Heath, J. (1981) Threatened Rhopalocera (Butterflies) In Europe.
Nature And Environment Series, No.23. Council Of Europe. Strasberg.
Heath, J. (1983) Is This The Earliest Record Of Lycarna dispar
(Haworth) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)? Entomologist’s Gazette 34 p228.
Higgins, L. & Hargreaves, B. (1983)The Butterflies Of Britain And
Europe. Collins. London.
Irwin, A.G. (1984) The Large Copper, Lycaena dispar dispar (Haworth)
In The Norfolk Broads. Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation
96 p212-13.
IUCN (1990) Red List Of Threatened Animals. Ed B. Groombridge.
Compiled By The World Conservation Monitoring Centre, Cambridge.
Oates, M.R. & Warren, M.S. (1990) A Review of Butterfly Introductions
In Britain And Ireland,. World Wide Fund For Nature, Goldalming.
Pullin, A.S, McLean, I.F.G. and Webb, M.R. (1995) Ecology And
Conservation Of Lycarna dispar: British And European Perspectives. In
Ecology And Conservation Of Butterflies p150-164. Ed A.S. Pullin.
Chapman and Hall, London.
Pullin, A.S. & Webb, M.R. (in press) Prospects For The Conservation
And Restoration Of Lycarna dispar In North-West Europe. Nota
Lepidopterologica.
Shirt, D.B. (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature
Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Verrall, G.H. (1909) The Large Copper Butterfly (Chrysophanus dispar).
Entomologist 42 p183.
Wynhoff, I. & Van Swaay, C.A.M. (1995) Threatened And Vunerable
Butterflies In The Netherlands. Basic Report And Proposal for The Red
List. De Vlinderstichting (The Dutch Butterfly Foundation).
Wageningen.
Appendix 1
Figure 1 The Current Distribution of the Large Copper in the UK.
Map produced courtesy of the Biological Records Centre.
NB The Large Copper was originally introduced to Woodwalton Fen in
1927, although it is now believed to be extinct.
Appendix 2 (from Pullin et al., 1995)
A. Factors Affecting Large Copper Larvae Mortality.
1. Floods before the hibernation period cause high mortality,
particularly on dyke-side and low lying plants, and prolonged floods
probably cause mortality during hibernation.
2. Invertebrate predators may be a key biotic mortality factor during
the pre- incubation period.
3. A factor causing high mortality during over wintering is still
unknown.
4. Vertebrate predators cause significant mortality during spring
feeding in some years.
B. Conditions that Management for the Large Copper Should Aim For.
1. Food plants in relatively open, sunny positions using biannual
mowing or possibly cattle grazing. Females preferentially lay eggs on
these plants and the open position may reduce invertebrate predation
during the pre- hibernation stage.
2. Plants should be actively growing at the time of egg-laying to
provide nutritious food for larvae, enabling them to accumulate
sufficient energy reserves to survive the winter.
3. Plants should not be in low-lying positions which will be severely
affected by flooding, and flooding should be avoided before and after
hibernation.
4. Large areas of open fen should be maintained for male territories
with adequate nectar sources during the flight season.
5. A network of sites meeting these requirements, and containing
patches with high densities of the great water dock, is needed to
compliment the dispersive, opportunistic strategy of the butterfly.
Populations may frequently go extinct and this needs to be balanced by
the availability of sites for colonisation.
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