Common Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)
The Common Copper is a species of very widespread butterflies native to various parts of the world. They are known for their contrasting wings in bright orange and black.
Scientific Classification
- Family: Lycaenidae
- Genus: Lycaena
- Common names: Small Copper Butterfly, American Copper Butterfly
- Scientific Name: Lycaena phlaeas
Description and Identification
Caterpillar
Almost all larvae, in general, are green, though some have a purple line along the middle of the dorsal side, as also, both the sides of the body. They consume the underside of the leaf creating typical window-like patterns.
Pupa
The chrysalis is formed in the leaf litter and is thought to be tended by ants present in the host plants. It looks quite like a shelled groundnut with beige to blackish-beige color.
Adult Butterfly
Sexual Dimorphism: Present
Color and Appearance: When the wings are open, the upper parts of the forewings show a brilliant orange coloration bordered with a dark edge border and a few spots in black. The hind wings are almost an inverse contrast with a dark base color, bordered with orange. A few of the females display a row of bluish marks inside the orange border. When the wings are closed, it shows a similar design and pattern, though much faint. Females, in general, have notably fewer black spots on their wings.

American Copper Butterfly naba.org
Average wingspan: .2 to 4.8 cm (1.3 to 1.9 inches)
Flight pattern: Fast
Eggs

Common Copper Butterfly Eggs dispar.org
Eggs look unique being round and flat and bearing cavities in a circular pattern. They are laid singly on the upper side of the host plant leaves.
Quick Facts |
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Distribution | Throughout Europe, Asia, and North America, and some parts of Africa |
Habitat | Wide variety including heathland, woodland clearings, chalk downlands, waste ground in cities |
Lifespan of adults | Around two weeks |
Host plants | Primarily, common sorrel (Rumex acetosa) and sheep’s sorrel (Rumex acetosella) |
Adult diet | Flower nectar |
Did You Know?
- They are the most active in the bright sunny days.
- The specific name phlaeas is thought to have derived from either a Greek word ‘phlego’, meaning “to burn up”, or else, from the Latin ‘floreo’, which means “to flourish”.
- During mating season, the males become so territorial that, they would even get agitated seeing the shadow of large birds.

Scientific Classification

- Family: Lycaenidae
- Genus: Lycaena
- Common names: Small Copper Butterfly, American Copper Butterfly
- Scientific Name: Lycaena phlaeas

