Small copper- Lycaena phlaeas
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Family: Lycaenidae Flight Time: May - October Size: 24-30mm Altitude: 0-2400m
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| Notes: This was taken in the Forêt de Lorge, NW France. In the summer of 1997. The butterfly above is sat on Scabious which nicely complements its colours. Widespread in Europe, and very active, like most coppers. The underside pictured right is somewhat paler than is usual. |
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| The Small copper caterpillar feeds on Dock. Unlike a lot of
other species the young caterpillar eats the surface of the leaves, which
results in a characteristic feeding pattern on the leaf, pictured right.
Between bouts of feeding the older caterpillars rest at the bottom of the plant, often hiding in leaf litter. Pictured below.
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Fact File |
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| Similar Species | Foodplants | Habitat | Distribution |
Rumex species. Dock and Sorrel. |
Many |
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| Early Stages
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