Small Copper - Lycaena phlaeas
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Species Description
Widespread but local throughout the UK. It is in decline. Habitat includes: Warm, dry sites such as species rich grassland, heathland, woodland clearings, roadside verges, railway banks, old quarries, wasteland, moorland etc. Life story: A fast flyer, normally only seen in ones and twos, but occaionally found in large numbers. Males are very territorial, often choosing a spot to guard such as a stone or patch of bare ground with which he uses to bask and await passing females. They even behave aggressively towards other insects and often hogging flowers. Flight period: 3 generations per year (Late April to Mid June, Late June to Early September, Mid September to Early November). Food plant: Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosa), Sheep's Sorrel (R. acetosella), Broad-leaved Dock (R. obtusifolius). Wingspan: 32 - 35 mm.