Common copper (Lycaena phlaeas) https://karits.eu/index.php/2025/04/24/common-copper-lycaena-phlaeas-2/

🦋 Common Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)

The Common Copper is a small but fiery butterfly known for its bright orange wings and confident behavior. Despite its size, it’s a bold and energetic flyer, often defending its territory fiercely. Found across a wide range of habitats, it adds a spark of color to meadows, heaths, and gardens.

🔍 Identification

Wingspan: 22–35 mm
Upperwings:
- Bright orange with dark brown borders
- Forewings have small black spots
Hindwings:
- Brown with an orange border
Underside:
- Pale brown hindwings with dark spots
- Orange forewings with fainter markings

Males and females are similar, but females may be slightly larger and more colorful.

🌍 Distribution & Habitat

Range: Widespread across Europe, Asia, North Africa, and into North America
Habitat:
- Grassy meadows, heathlands, coastal dunes, wastelands, and gardens
- Prefers areas with sunlight and low vegetation

🧬 Life Cycle

Broods: Multiple broods per year (2–3 in most areas, more in warmer climates)
Flight period: From April to October, depending on location and weather
Host plants:
- Primarily sorrel (Rumex acetosa) and sheep’s sorrel (Rumex acetosella) for caterpillars
Eggs: Laid singly on host plants
Caterpillars: Green with fine white hairs
Pupae: Hidden near ground level

🌼 Behavior

Flight: Low, fast, and darting — often chases away intruders from its territory
Feeding:
- Adults feed on nectar from flowers like thistles, dandelions, and buttercups
Territorial: Males often perch in sunny spots, ready to defend their patch from rivals

🌟 Interesting Facts

One of the most widespread and common coppers in its range
Able to adapt to disturbed habitats, making it a resilient species
In some areas, it may be the only copper species present, making it easy to identify

✅ Conservation Status

Not threatened — considered stable and common in most of its range
Benefited by wildflower-rich meadows and pollinator-friendly gardens

📌 Summary

The Common Copper (Lycaena phlaeas) is a feisty little butterfly with a lot of personality. Its vivid orange wings and territorial behavior make it a standout even among larger butterflies. A delightful sight in sunny open spaces, it’s a perfect ambassador for the charm of native pollinators.