Small copper butterfly  (Lycaena phlaeus)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Threats

Although believed to have declined in numbers during the twentieth century, small coppers are not thought to be threatened in the UK.

Conservation

A problem for some species of butterfly is their extreme reliance on a particular habitat or food source. Small copper butterflies are a good example of one that has chosen a foodplant that is common in lots of different habitat types, namely members of the dock family. However, like all insects, they are still vulnerable to pesticides and loss of suitable habitats.

The small copper is still a fairly abundant species, and one that will feed from suitable garden flowers, so try letting some of those dandelions, yarrow and other low-growing nectar-rich species survive untouched in the garden. It will be worth it to attract these small but colourful butterflies. And why not leave some docks as well?

View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.
There may be further information about this species available via the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.
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