Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)

Family: Lycaenidae Checklist: 61.001

 
Description
Wing span: 27-36 mm. This is the only butterfly in Britain with coppery-orange wings, and as such is unmistakable. The size and position of the black forewing spots is quite variable. The sexes are similar. It is found widely throughout the British Isles. It is found in a wide variety of habitats but it favours warm, dry sites such as downland, heathland, coastal dunes and shingle. It can also be seen in parks and gardens.
 
Images (click to enlarge)
Small Copper ♂ © David Hastings
Small Copper ♂ underside © David Hastings
Small Copper ♀ © David Hastings
Male Male underside Female Female underside
 
Life Cycle
There are typically 2 or 3 generations each year, depending on the weather. The first adults emerge in May. The next generation emerges at the end of July, or beginning of August. Adults may also appear in September, depending on location. The species over-winters as a larva.
 
Larval Foodplants
The main larval food plants are Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) and Sheep's Sorrel (Rumex acetosella).
 
Nectar Sources
Favourite nectar sources are Fleabane and Ragwort.
 
UK Conservation Status
Least Concern
 
Earliest UTB first sighting (since 2004) : 3rd April
Mean UTB first sighting (since 2004) : 22nd April
 
 
Distribution and Sites
 

Key
1 sighting 2-9 max seen 10+ max seen
This species is a habitat specialist. It can be found at these sites:
Berkshire
Lardon Chase
The Holies
Buckinghamshire
Bernwood Meadows
Oxfordshire
Aston Rowant NNR
Chimney Meadows
Otmoor
Radley Lakes

 
Related Species
All Species