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Small Copper

Lycaena phlaeas

The Small Copper is a bright orange butterfly with beautiful black spots. It flutters around gardens and fields, bringing joy to anyone who sees it!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Small Copper is a vibrant butterfly with dazzling coppery-orange forewings splashed with distinctive black spots. Its hindwings are dark brown or grey, edged with a striking band of bright orange, making it easy to spot against green leaves.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyLycaenidaeGenusLycaena
Small Copper
spotted trait badgesolitary trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badge
Small Copper

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Small Coppers are one of the most widespread butterflies, found across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America!

The tiny caterpillars of this butterfly are often found eating plants like sorrel and dock!

Wow, its name 'phlaeas' comes from a Greek word for 'red or fiery', just like its wings!

You might spot Small Coppers even late in the year, as they have multiple generations from spring to autumn!

Special abilities

Ability

Agile Flier

Small Copper can dart away quickly because of its rapid, erratic flight, which helps them evade birds and other predators.

Ability

Solar Powered

Small Copper has dark areas on its wings that help them absorb sunlight, allowing them to warm up quickly and fly even on cooler days.

Ability

Green Cloak

Small Copper's caterpillars are bright green, allowing them to blend perfectly with the leaves they eat, which helps them hide from hungry birds.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
25-35 mm
Size
15-20 mm
Lifespan
10-20 days
Flight Speed
12 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adult Small Coppers sip sweet flower nectar, while their caterpillars munch on plant leaves.

Age differences: Larvae eat plant leaves, while adults feed on flower nectar.

Primary Foods

  • Nectar
  • Common Sorrel leaves
  • Sheep's Sorrel leaves
  • Broad-leaved Dock leaves

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Copper Butterfly

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Butterflies are gentle, but it's best to watch them from a distance and not touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Small Copper's wingspan?

25-35 mm

How big is Small Copper?

15-20 mm

How long does Small Copper live?

10-20 days

How fast can Small Copper fly?

12 km/h

What does Small Copper eat?

Adult Small Coppers sip sweet flower nectar, while their caterpillars munch on plant leaves.

Where is Small Copper usually found?

Grasslands

How does Small Copper hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Small Copper have?

6

Snap Map

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