03/06/2024
The Large Copper Butterfly, sub-species Lycaena dispar batavus which was introduced from Holland in 1927 at Woodwalton Fen in Huntingdonshire, to replace our native species Lycaena dispar dispar which was exterminated in about 1850 when they drained the fens where it lived. At Woodwalton Fen it died out in about 1985 when it stopped being bred and released to supplement the colony. So it is now only kept going in captivity by a few breeders! There are two eggs at the butterfly's feet so hopefully it will continue!