Mont Lozere, Lozere, France

Family : Lycaenidae
Sub-Family : Lycaeninae
Species : Lycaena virgaureae

Lycaena virgaureae is found at altitudes up to 2000m in alpine pastures and woodland clearings. This small to medium size butterfly has a wingspan of 34-38mm. When the sun is out it is very active but will sometimes spend several minutes nectaring on a particular flower. When feeding or basking in the sun they typically hold their wings at a 45° angle and adopt a head-downwards posture similar to other species in the same family.
The upperside of the sexes are very different, with the male being the most colourful with a striking bright orange colouration, especially when fresh like the one above. The female is paler with numerous black markings. The undersides are very similar and the flying period is from June to September.

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Make:	NIKON CORPORATION
Model:	NIKON D5200
Exposure:	0.003 sec (1/400)
Aperture:	f/8.0
ISO Speed:	400
Focal Length:	105 mm
Lens:	105.0 mm f/2.8