Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Small Copper Butterfly
Scientific Name:
Lycaena phlaeas
Wingspan (mm):
26-36mm Description
Forewings bright orange ground colour, with brown spots and brown margin ? its hindwings are brown with an orange band and pointed rear margin. Underwing is much paler a greyish brown with black spots and a buffish brown margin. The Small Copper is usually seen in ones and twos, but in some years large numbers may be found at good sites.
Distribution
Though it remains a common and widespread species throughout the U.K. the Small Copper declined throughout its range during the twentieth century.
Habitat
It occurs in a wide variety of habitats: chalk grassland, moorland, heathland, coastal dunes and undercliffs, woodland clearings, and unimproved grassland. This species may be found also in small patches of land such as set-aside fields, roadside verges, railway embankments, allotments, churchyards, and waste ground, even in cities. Warm, dry situations are especially favoured.
Diet
Common Sorrel and Sheep's Sorrel are the main foodplants. Broad-leaved Dock may occasionally be used.
Status
UK BAP status: not listed Butterfly Conservation priority: low European threat status: not threatened
Did You Know?
The Male small copper is extremely territorial and sets out to defend it's teritory, even if the offender is much larger than it's self.