Home Page Small Coppers  

Latin name - Lycaena phlaeas

Flight period - April to October

Wingspan 3.2 to 3.5 cm, 1.26 to 1.38 inch.

The Small Copper lives up to it's name and is quite a small butterfly. It enjoys warm, dry, sunny habitats and can be found on grassland, heathland, woodland clearings, waste ground and moorland. The males are territorial and aggressive towards any passing insects whilst basking and waiting for female Small Coppers. It has orange forewings with dark brown spots and margin, and dark brown hindwings, with a band of orange. They can be seen feeding on Ragwort and thistles, while their caterpillars feed on Common Sorrel and Sheep's Sorrel.

Small Copper - Lundy Hole Small Copper, Glebe, North Cornwall Small Copper Wall Brown and a Small Copper
Small Copper Small Copper Small Copper, Glebe, North Cornwall Small Copper
Small Copper Small Copper - Lundy Beach