Small copper butterfly fact file

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Let’s uncover the secrets of the brightly coloured, fascinating, small copper butterfly…

What are they? 

Invertebrates.

Scientific name: Lycaena phlaeas

Where are they from? 

Small copper butterflies can be found in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland in a variety of different environments, including:

• Grassland.
• Woodland.
• Heathland.
• Moorland.
• Freshwater.
• Farmland.
• Coastal areas.
• Wetlands.
• Parkland.
• Gardens.
• Wasteland.
• Old quarries.
• Road verges.

What's their average life span?

Generally, butterflies tend to have short lifespans which average at around 2-4 weeks, depending on the species.

Depending on the weather, small copper butterfly populations typically see 2-4 generations born each year. Their life cycle begins with the first adults emerging from the end of April to beginning of May, and last adults emerging in mid-October to early November.

The typical small copper butterfly life cycle:

1. Female lays eggs on a sorrel plant.
2. Those eggs hatch 1-2 weeks later to reveal caterpillars (a.k.a. ‘larval stage’ of development).
3. Caterpillars spend around two months eating, then they pupate (form a chrysalis) to prepare for adulthood.
4. After being in their chrysalis for about three weeks, they emerge as adults and can begin searching for a mate.
5. Towards the end of summer, any remaining caterpillars will stay in that state over the winter months, then pupate in April to start the life cycle again.

How big are they?

Wingspan: 3.2-3.5 cm

Did you know? You’re most likely to see a small copper butterfly between April and October.

What do they eat?

Adults of the small copper butterfly feed on nectar-rich flowers like common fleabane, ragwort, heather, daisy, thistles, dandelions, and yarrow; whereas their caterpillars eat common sorrel, sheep’s sorrel, and broad-leaved dock.

Are they nocturnal?

No, small copper butterflies are not nocturnal – they enjoy sunny, dry weather.

Do they mate for life?

Owing to their short lifespan, small copper butterflies don’t mate for life, with their primary focus being to lay eggs and source nectar.

How many are there?

Although it’s challenging to gather specific data on butterfly populations, it’s estimated that the number of small copper butterflies across the UK has decreased by 16% since the 1970s.

Three fun facts

Fact 1 – Small copper butterflies love basking in the sun!

Fact 2 – These little butterflies roost head down on grass stems.

Fact 3 – Since males are so territorial, you’re unlikely to see more than two small copper butterflies in the same area.

Actions you can take to help the small copper butterfly

As well as supporting amazing charities, like Buglife, who are working tirelessly to help these beautiful butterflies, you could assist pollinators, like the small copper butterfly, by:

• Getting involved in local charity initiatives, e.g. Buglife Near Me.
• Planting nectar-rich, pollinator-friendly flowers.
• Having fun by joining in with wildlife recording projects.

Learn more about Buglife

As an Animal Friends policyholder, you’re helping to support charities like Buglife – the only organisation in Europe devoted to the conservation of all invertebrates. 

Here are several incredible projects undertaken by Buglife that make a positive difference to nature:

• Reclaiming nature in Wales through the Bedwas Tips project. 
• Protecting bee havens in Scotland via their work in Ardeer Peninsula.
• Motivating all of us, through projects like Curtains for Light Pollution, by illustrating how even with small actions we can make a big impact.

Now you know a little more about Buglife, discover further ways to nurture the nature in your neighbourhood by checking out our articles on simple swaps and wildlife etiquette.