New Zealand Copper Butterflies

New Zealand copper butterflies are a group of small endemic butterflies in the genus Lycaena. They are found in a range of habitats, including coastal dunes, open country, forest margins, and alpine areas, and are among New Zealand’s most distinctive native butterflies.

Their caterpillars are closely associated with native and naturalised Muehlenbeckia species such as pōhuehue and wirevine, which are important host plants for several species. Many copper butterflies fly low to the ground, are fast and active in sunny weather, and can vary noticeably in colour and pattern between species.

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