flits over the south island scree slopes

Size
Wingspan: 22-28 mm
Lifespan
2-4 weeks.
Diet
Caterpillars feed on native Muehlenbeckia species (creeping shrubs). Adults feed on nectar from alpine flowers.
Habitat
Alpine and subalpine areas, rocky slopes, scree, and riverbeds. Prefers open, sunny sites with sparse vegetation and native Muehlenbeckia host plants.
Range
Endemic to New Zealand. Found in alpine and subalpine areas of the South Island, from Nelson to Southland.
Endemism
Endemic
Main Threats
Climate change is a long-term threat. Alpine habitats are warming.
Population
Found in alpine and subalpine areas of the South Island. Locally common. Not threatened.
Conservation Status
data_deficient
Human Risk
harmless
Handling Note
native butterfly, rare species leave undisturbed
Conservation Note
Endemic butterfly; data insufficient for full threat classification, not formally assessed by NZTCS.
Te Ao Māori
Lycaena boldenarum has no recognised Māori name. It lives in the alpine zone. Which was not heavily used by Māori. Its bright copper wings would have been noticed. It is part of the high mountain ecosystem.
It lives where most give up. The Boulder Copper is an alpine specialist. A rocky specialist. Tiny. Tough. Lycaena boldenarum is a butterfly of the high mountains. It flies among the rocks. A small flash of copper and orange. The males are bright copper above. The females are darker. With more orange. The wingspan is small. Barely two centimetres. The underside is pale grey with dark spots. The caterpillars feed on native Muehlenbeckia species. The creeping shrubs of the alpine zone. The pupa is brown. Hidden among rocks. The Boulder Copper lives on rocky slopes. In scree. On riverbeds. It likes sun. It likes wind. It lives where most butterflies cannot survive. The species is endemic to New Zealand. It is found only in the South Island mountains. The name Lycaena is from a Greek word for a type of butterfly. Boldenarum honours someone. The butterfly does not care. The Boulder Copper is not threatened. Its habitat is remote. Its host plants are common. But alpine areas are threatened by climate change. This butterfly is a reminder. The high mountains have their own insects. Small. Tough. Copper-coloured. They live where most things give up.