The large copper butterfly Lycaena dispar (Haworth, 1803; Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) has been categorized as a near-threatened species (NT) in South Korea from 2012 mainly due to limited distribution. In this study, we visited 36 sites spread across all South Korean provinces to verify the distributional range of the species and sequenced mitochondrial COI for 53 individuals from nine sites. We observed L. dispar at 15 sites in six provinces, including the two previously known provinces, indicating a southward range expansion. The in-field monitoring and genetic data collectively suggested that L. dispar does not have a limited distribution nor is it isolated, indicating that it should be reclassified as less vulnerable. Our study demonstrates that the combination of field and genetic data can provide a more reliable assessment of the stability of a species.

In order to establish an indoor-rearing system for Copper butterflies; Large Copper butterfly, Lycaena dispar, the effect of temperature, photoperiod on larval development was investigated. As temperature increased, the developmental period was gradually reduced. The developmental periods of Large Copper larvae was 11.0 days and 28.5 days at 30℃ and 17.5℃, respectively. We investigated the sensitivity of stages to diapause induction. The experiment involved transfer of individuals from diapause averting (LD 16:8 h, 25℃) to diapause inducing condition (LD 8:16 h, 20℃) at various stages. Daipause was induced in 95.2% insect transferred at hatching larvae, in 15.6% of insects transferred at 2nd stadium molt, in 0% of insects transferred at after 3rd stadium molt. Percentage of diapause induction increased with the length of short days and low temperature. The main sensitive stage to photoperiodic and temperature induction of diapause determination was the early first larval instar. The diapause sensitivity began 14 days and ended 20 days after hatching larvae. The main stage sensitive to photoperiodic induction of diapause determination was the early first larval instar under low temperature and short day length. In relation to diapause termination, pupation was accelerated with cold treatment after diapausing 15 to 20 days and suitable chilling temperature was 8℃.

In order to establish a year round indoor-rearing system for Copper butterflies; large copper butterfly, Lycaena dispar, the effect of temperature on larval development and diapause was investigated. Temperature has been suggested as an important factor regulating the developmental rate, length of life, and survival rate from insect. As temperature increased, the developmental period was gradually shorten. The developmental periods of large copper larvae had a range of 11.0 days to 28.5 days at 30℃ and 17.5℃ respectively. The highest emergence rate was 94.2% recorded at 20℃. And the low emergence rate was 72.7% under 17.5℃. We investgated the sensitive stages to diapause induction in the larger copper effect of temperature and photoperiod. The experiment involves transfer of individuals from diapause averting (LD 16:8h, 25℃) to diapause inducing condition (LD 8:16h, 20℃) at various stages. Diapause was induced in 95.2% insect transferred at hatching larvae, in 15.6% of insects transferred at 2nd stadium molt, in 0% of insects transferred at after 3rd stadium molt. Percentage diapause induction increase with the length of short days and low temperature experienced. The main stage sensitive to photoperiod and temperature induction of diapause determination is the early first larval instar. The diapause induction began 14 days and ended 20 days after hatching larvae (LD 8:16h, 20℃).