Lycnaea dispar has been commonly arranged into three subspecies: L. dispar dispar, (single-brooded) which was commonly found in England, but is now extinct, L. d. batavus, (single-brooded) can be found in the Netherlands and has unsuccessfully been reintroduced into the United Kingdom, and lastly, L. d. rutilus, (double-brooded) which is widespread across central and southern Europe. The latter has been declining in many European countries, due to habitat loss.
   Currently Lycnaea dispar is in severe decline in northwest Europe, but is expanding in central and northern Europe.
   Lycaena dispar is a wetland species in decline throughout Europe.
The primary habitat has been drained for agricultural and other land usage, limiting their habitat. When it can, they will utilize plants growing away from watersides and among reed fen vegetation. In this way they can avoid possible flooding that can occur in lower lying areas closer to the water's edge.
   They prefer undisturbed grasslands along  river banks and stream banks, where their larval food plant, the greater water dock, (R. hydrolapathum) can be found.
   Warmer microclimates, as well as warmer regions in general are preferred, allowing for faster growth.
    They are a beautiful species that are quite variable in size, 
   The male upperside is a staggering bright orange red.
   They are often seen flying rapidly but closer to the breeding areas they seem to become calmer and take their time to feed and to bask.
   They have wings of a bright coppery orange, fringed with black. The dorsal sides are silvery blue with black spots.
    Emerging in July, the adult butterflies lays eggs on the leaves of great water dock.
   Male dorsal sides have black cell spots on bright clear orange ground colour.
   The ventral sides are bluish grey with a broad orange band.
   The Large Copper is subject to predation from invertebrate species as well as parasitoids (Phryxe vulgaris). 
   During pre-diapause, invertebrate predation is responsible for a large proportion of mortality.