Small Copper
Lycaena phlaeas
- Family
- Blues, coppers and hairstreaks
- Photos
- 15
Wingspan 25-30 mm. Flies in 3 generation A butterfly flies in 2 generations when the year’s first newly emerged adults (1st generation) bring a new “brood” (“children”) capable of flight into the world in the same year. With 3 generations there are “grandchildren” as well in the same year. The number of generations determines in how many months of the year we can see the butterfly. and is seen from May right through to October, both on the dike and in the plantation. Often basks on bare ground or low down in the vegetation. The male is highly territorial and chases off any other butterfly that comes too close to its territory. Rounds off the butterfly season on the dike on the late-flowering Tansy and Orpine. The eggs are usually laid on Sheep’s Sorrel and Common Sorrel. Overwinters as a caterpillar
