Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)
Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)

Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)
Family: Lycaenidae
Subfamily: Lycaeninae
Tribe: Lycaenini
Genus: Lycaena
Species: phlaeas
Subspecies: eleus, hibernica

Key ID Features:
Clear, brilliant copper forewings spotted with black.
Male aggressively defends his territory, perched with wings half open.

Seen in UK: Late April-October

The Small Copper is a fast flying butterfly that, once settled, is unmistakable with its bright copper-coloured forewings. It is a widespread species and a familiar and welcome sight for many naturalists throughout the summer months. This butterfly occurs in discrete colonies throughout the British Isles, but is absent from mountainous areas and far north-west Scotland, the Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Most colonies are fairly small, with just a few adults being seen on the wing at any one time.

Text (c) UK Butterflies, used with permission
For more information click here

Photographer: Tim Tapley

Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)

Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)
Family: Lycaenidae
Subfamily: Lycaeninae
Tribe: Lycaenini
Genus: Lycaena
Species: phlaeas
Subspecies: eleus, hibernica

Key ID Features:
Clear, brilliant copper forewings spotted with black.
Male aggressively defends his territory, perched with wings half open.

Seen in UK: Late April-October

The Small Copper is a fast flying butterfly that, once settled, is unmistakable with its bright copper-coloured forewings. It is a widespread species and a familiar and welcome sight for many naturalists throughout the summer months. This butterfly occurs in discrete colonies throughout the British Isles, but is absent from mountainous areas and far north-west Scotland, the Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Most colonies are fairly small, with just a few adults being seen on the wing at any one time.

Text (c) UK Butterflies, used with permission
For more information click here

Photographer: Tim Tapley