Small Copper

The Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas) is a vibrant, territorial butterfly found across Scotland (except the far north/islands) from April to October, often seen basking on bare ground in sunny, dry habitats. Despite its small size, males are fiercely aggressive, chasing off insects much larger than themselves. 

Key Interesting Facts:

• Fiery Defense: Small Copper males are exceptionally territorial, often waiting for females on a specific stone or patch of dirt and launching high-speed chases against any interloper.

• Seasonal Timing in Scotland: In Scotland, the first brood emerges later than the south, generally between mid-April and mid-June, with a second, sometimes third, brood appearing later in the summer.

• Camouflage Experts: While the top of their wings is a bright, fiery orange with black spots, the underside is a dull grey-brown, allowing them to disappear instantly when they close their wings.

• Small Stature: With a wingspan of only 32-35mm, they are roughly the size of a 50p coin.

• Host Plants: Their caterpillars feed specifically on Common Sorrel and Sheep's Sorrel.

• Declining Species: Though still widespread, their numbers in Scotland have declined by over a third over the past decade, prompting tracking efforts by Butterfly Conservation Scotland.

• Winter Survival: Caterpillars from the final summer brood survive the winter before pupating in April. 

You can submit your own sightings of this butterfly in Scotland via the Scottish Small Copper Survey.