Small Copper

Lycaena phlaeas

I love the site of this bright and cheery butterfly. The upperside of the wings is gleaming coppery-red or orange with sooty-brown markings. Wingspan 34mm.

The caterpillar feeds on sorrels and docks.

It flies February to November in one, two, three or even four broods. It is found on heath, wasteland, and grasslands of all kinds. Common and widespread.

Photographs of Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas) taken August 2007 and May 2008 in local fields, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2007 & 2008. Camera used Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W1.

08/1608/16 by Peter Hillman Categories: Animals (Invertebrates), Butterflies, Insects, Nature PhotographyTags: Butterflies, Butterfly, Insects, Lepidoptera, Lycaena phlaeas, Lycaenidae, Nature, Nature Photography, Small Copper, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography 3 Comments