Small Copper

Description:

The forewings are a bright orange with a dark outside edge border and with eight or nine black spots. The hindwings are dark with an orange border. In bright sun it is a very active little butterfly with the males setting up small territories which they will defend vigorously against rival males.

Habitat:

Chalk downlands, heathland, woodland.

Notes:

According to Guppy and Shepard (2001), its specific name 'phlaeas' is said to be derived either from the Greek Phlego, "to burn up" or from the Latin Floreo, "to flourish".