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The Small Copper butterfly (Lycaena phlaeas) is a fast, bright orange butterfly with dark spots, found in sunny spots like heathlands; males are territorial, feeding adults on nectar (ragwort/thistle) while caterpillars eat sorrel, often having 3 broods a year, and surprisingly, its larger cousin, the Large Copper, went extinct in the UK, making the Small Copper significant.
Appearance & Behavior
Color: Bright copper-orange forewings with black spots and margins, dark hindwings with orange bands.
Size: Small, fast-flying.
Male Behavior: Territorial, basking on bare ground to attract females, chasing off other insects.
Habitat & Food
Habitat: Dry, sunny places like heathland, woodland edges, waste ground, downland.
Adult Food: Nectar from ragwort, thistles.
Caterpillar Food: Common sorrel, sheep's sorrel.