Finding Small Coppers

[speckled wood]

Started this on another "Comma" thread but I thought that it deserved its own

Small Coppers are very erratic in appearance, I used to find them regularly on one patch of ground at the local Golf course from the mid 1960s through to the early 1980s, there was always plenty of Sorrel growing there. Elsewhere they always seemed to be erratic in appearance

A method that I have found will usually bring Small Coppers is to plant some French Sorrel. French Sorrel seeds are available at Garden Centres, even if planted in a window box or plant pot in the middle of town and it will often get a visit by a female looking for somewhere to lay her eggs. They do seem to wander about a lot and it is not uncommon to be in the centre of a town or city and see this little butterfly making its way past and over the shops.

Using the window box method in a street of terraced houses with no gardens enabled me to get my first eggs and rear them through to the adult stage.

[Paul mabbott]

For interest, how does French sorrel differ from others? I have a nondescript sorrel growing in the garden - although I see the odd copper now and then, they have not used my plants.
PS: this is where somebody makes awful jokes about who they take into the police force nowadays and how you can never find one when you need one .... but not me .....

[speckled wood]

As far as I know French Sorrel is simply a cultivated variety of Dock Sorrel, (Rumex acetosa) the cultivated variety is used as a garnish in fish dishes and has a lemony taste. a single plant might not have the same attraction as several plants together.

[henrya]

According to Stace French Sorrel is Rumex scutatus - all leaves have a stem and are most as wide as they are long.

henrya

[speckled wood]

Originally Posted by henrya

According to Stace French Sorrel is Rumex scutatus - all leaves have a stem and are most as wide as they are long.

henrya

Still attracts the Small Coppers, perhaps it is even more attractive to them than acetosa

[carlj]

Interesting to note. Have seen a grand total of one small copper down the Trent this year so encouragement is a bonus.

[henrya]

Quote
Still attracts the Small Coppers, perhaps it is even more attractive to them than acetosa
Endquote

Listed as a food plant in European butterfly books. Maybe the Small Coppers like a change?

henrya

[asheleaf]

Originally Posted by speckled wood

A method that I have found will usually bring Small Coppers is to plant some French Sorrel.

thanks for this. I've added them to my seed shopping list.

Ashe

[Beryl]

Originally Posted by carlj

Interesting to note. Have seen a grand total of one small copper down the Trent this year so encouragement is a bonus.

I have seen two down here in the south west. No bigger than my thumbnail. Tiny but pretty

[Lincs Yellowbelly]

Good advice SW, i'll get some seeds and give it a go if only it was so easy to get other species such as White Admiral