Small Copper

Lycaena phlaeas

Widespread and common

Distribution and Status

The Small Copper is widely distributed in the two counties except in the agricultural areas of north-east Hertfordshire. It forms discrete colonies and not usually seen in any great numbers. Since the peak in the mid 1990s the butterfly declined dramatically in abundance although no significant reduction in range was detected. However populations strengthened remarkably in 2017 and 2018

Habitat Requirements

A wide variety of habitats such as unimproved grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and waste ground. It prefers sunny open situations containing bare patches and low-lying flowers. It may occasionally be found in gardens where the food-plant is present

Larval Foodplants

Common Sorrel Rumex acetosa on chalky soils and Sheep's Sorrel Rumex acetosella on the more acidic soils. Other Dock Rumex spp. plants may also be used

Adult Food Sources

Common Ragwort Senecio jacobaea, Iceplant Sedum spectabile, Buddleia Buddleja davidii, Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense, Heather Calluna vulgaris

Behaviour/Observation notes

The Small Copper is an active butterfly, particularly males who vigorously defend their territories close to the ground over bare patches. They often bask with their wings open and are easy to photograph if approached carefully. Females are less active as they spend much of their time feeding and activities associated with egg-laying

Life History

There are normally three generations a year with peaks in late May, first half of August, and September and early October. Very occasionally a partial fourth brood emerges in November. Eggs are usually laid singly under a leaf of the foodplant, preferably in sunny locations. Larvae feed on the undersides of the leaves which form transparent grooves when seen from above. The last generation of larvae hibernate until the following spring when pupae are formed low down in the vegetation

Further information

UK distribution map
Full list of larval hostplants and adult food sources on Peter Hardy's database
Stevenage butterflies - additional notes