In Europe it is restricted to the Balkan Peninsula (SE Europe). It is extremely similar in appearance to the Purple-edged Copper (Lycaena hippothoe), and was separated from that species in the 1990s. The male genitalia are distinctive. The Purple-edged Copper is not known to occur in Bulgaria.
Damp and often boggy flower-rich meadows and glades. Geum coccineum, with its bright orange flowers is frequently a feature of sites where the Balkan Copper is found.
Widespread and locally common in mountainous areas from moderate altitudes up to above 2000m. It has also been recorded at lower altitudes near the Black Sea coast.
Recorded in 26 (1.4%) of the 1900 10km squares of Bulgaria.
Last recorded in July 2017
Recorded date range (Adult): 08 June to 31 July