Small Copper
Lycaena phlaeas
Checklist Number
61.001 [B&F: 1561]
Classification
| Family: | Lycaenidae |
| Subfamily: | Lycaeninae |
| Genus: | Lycaena |
| Species: | phlaeas |
| Authority: | (Linnaeus, 1761) |
Introduction
The Small Copper is usually seen in ones and twos, but in some years large numbers may be found at good sites. Males are territorial, often choosing a piece of bare ground or a stone on which to bask and await passing females. They behave aggressively towards any passing insects, returning to the same spot when the chase is over. Though it remains a common and widespread species, the Small Copper declined throughout its range during the twentieth century.
Records Summary
|
#Records |
#Individuals |
Earliest Record |
Latest Record |
| All Records | 36,699 | 66,681 | 05/03/2009 | 27/11/2003 |
|---|
| 2023 | 2,807 | 4,686 | 7/4/2023 | 7/11/2023 |
|---|
Records Detail (2023)
|
Site |
Date |
Quantity |
| Earliest | Southbourne Undercliff | 7/4/2023 | 6 |
| Latest | Southbourne Undercliff | 7/11/2023 | 1 |
| Max Count | Stockbridge Down | 7/10/2023 | 36 |
Records Distribution (2023)
Records / Recorders by Year (1970-2023)
Records by Week (2023)
