Small Copper
Lycaena phlaeas
A tiny jewel of a butterfly, the metallic copper coloured forewings of this small butterfly give its name away. The Small Copper is rarely seen in great numbers. Most colonies consist of a few individuals. The males are higly terrtorial and will attempt to chase of rivals and even birds in order to protect his territory.
Larval Food plants
Sheep's Sorel (Rumex acetosella)
Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosa)
Broad-leaved Dock (Rumex obtusifolius)
Habitat Requirements
The Small Copper lives in a wide variety of habitats where it is warm and dry, from roadside verges and disused railway lines to moorland and heath.
It is usually found in small colonies often consisting of no more than a few dozen individuals. The numbers of Small Copper fluctuates depending upon the weather. Hot summers will usually boost numbers substantially so long as the larvae foodplant is not affected by drought.
Warwickshire Status
Resident
Where to see the Small Copper
Draycote Meadows (WWT Reserve)
Shadowbrook Meadow (WWT Reserve)
Grove Hill (WWT Reserve)
Loxley Church Meadow (WWT Reserve)
Knowle Hill (WWT Reserve) |
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Other Species
Please select an alternative species from the list below.
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| ©
Steven Cheshire |
First Sightings
First sighting dates are based on records of Small Copper submitted online. Please note that these dates are not updated retrospectively to include records submitted to the branch recorder in other forms.
| 26/04/2010 - Fenny Compton Tunnels |
| 22/04/2009 - Middleton Hall, Mill Plantation |
| 14/05/2008 - Badesley Ensor |
| 14/04/2007 - Knowle Hill LNR, Kenilworth |
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| The flight chart below is based on observations of the adult Small Copper in Warwickshire between 2005 and 2008. Peak periods are shown in dark green. |
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Warwickshire Distribution Maps base on Vice County (CV38) which includes Coventry and Solihull
Distribution of the Small Copper during the indicated period.
Key to Warwickshire Maps: sightings  1 2-9 10+ |
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