| Actual Image
Lycaena phlaeas (10)
litoriachloris
![Silver Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 23 W: 0 N: 67]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/s-n-g.gif) (965) | Lycaena phlaeas - Small Copper
A common and widespread little butterfly easily identifiable in the UK. (There are similar species in continental Europe). The upperside forwings are a bright orange with a dark outside edge border and with eight or nine black spots. The hindings are dark with an orange border. Some females also have a row of blue spots inside the orange border and are known as form caeruleopunctata The undersides are pattenered in a similar way but are paler. The black spots on the forwings are outlined in yellow and the dark colouring is replaced by a pale brownish, gray. The hindwings are the same brown/grey colour with small black dots and a narrow orange border. The larva varies in colour, usually green but sometimes with a purple stripe down the middle of the back and along each side.
In bright sun it is a very active little butterfly with the males setting up small territories which they will defend vigorously against rival males or indeed any unlucky passing insect. Even the shadow of a large bird passing overhead is enough to get him going. Females are pursued mercelessly and mating usually occurs low down in vegetation.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Lycaenidae
Genus: Lycaena
Species: L. phlaeas
Binomial name
Lycaena phlaeas
(Linnaeus, 1761) |
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