Small Copper

Lycaena phlaeas belongs to the copper subfamily Lycaeninae. It is called Small Copper in Europe and American Copper in North America. Linnaeus described it in 1761. [1][2]

The upper forewing ranges from bright reddish-gold to heavily darkened brown, with a discal spot, further dark dots and a black border. The brown hindwing has a red submarginal band. Beneath, small dark spots accompany fine red hindwing crescents. Females are slightly larger. [1]

European populations extend east through Asia Minor and the Caucasus. Albanian butterflies inhabit flower-rich meadow banks, rough ground, roadsides, parks and gardens from lowlands to approximately 2,000 m. [1]

Alaskan records extend from the Arctic coastal plain and Brooks Range through the Seward Peninsula and interior to the Alaska Range. Habitats include wet tundra, bogs, stream benches and moist rocky slopes. [2]

In Albania, adults fly in at least three generations from March to October, sometimes into November; young larvae overwinter in leaf litter. Alaskan adults are recorded chiefly in late July and August. [1][2]

European host records include common sorrel, Rumex acetosa, and sheep’s sorrel, R. acetosella. Alaskan hosts include Rumex and mountain sorrel, Oxyria digyna. Adults take floral nectar. [1][2]

Keep the enclosure closed and display it in indirect light, away from heat and damp conditions. Handle the frame by its edges and clean only its exterior according to the maker’s instructions.