Coppers

   Small Copper Lycaena phaleas

Small Copper Lycaena phaleas

Both sexes are difficult to tell apart. On the upperside the hindwings are primarily brown with orange patches. The forewings are orange edged by brown, within the orange are several dark spots.

With the undersides the forewings are paler version of their uppersides. The hindwings are brown with small darker brown spots; plus there are small patches of orange close to the outer edges.

Male small coppers are fiercely territorial and will not only chase of other males but also other butterfly species.

There are at least two broods, but on good years there can be three. The eggs are laid singly on their foodplants dock and sorrels. They overwinter as pupae.