Small Copper

Vivid orange with black spots.

Scientific name	Lycaena phlaeas
English name	Small Copper
Japanese name	紅小灰蝶
Class	Insecta
Order	Lepidoptera
Family	Lycaenidae
Genus	Lycaena
Species	phlaeas
Full length	13-19mm
Distribution	From Hokkaido to Kyushu

Small Copper Characteristics and Morphology

A small butterfly with bright orange markings on a brown background. It can be seen from spring, but its color gradually deepens from summer to autumn.
The orange part of the forewings has black spots, and the hindwings have a large brown area. The edges of the wings are whitish, and the underside is gray.

Male

The tip of the forewing is pointed.

Female

The tip of the forewing is rounded.

Juvenile

The larva has an inconspicuous oval shape and is light green to purplish in color. This color is thought to mimic the Polygonaceae plants that the larva feeds on.

Small Copper Ecology

Habitat

Inhabits grasslands.

Food

The larvae feed on Polygonaceae plants such as Rumex acetosa and Rumex japonicas.

Life Cycle

Occurs several times from spring to autumn, with the larvae overwintering.

Small Copper Photos

Small Copper Photos are introduced.
Tap the photo to open the detail page.

Depending on the light, the brown areas can appear colorful.

It was perched on the grass near the ground.

Small Copper Behavior

Adults fly near the ground in bright, open grasslands, feeding on nectar from flowers.

Small Copper Information

Naming

The scientific name 'phlaeas' means 'burning, shining' and is derived from the vivid color of the wings. The English name 'Copper' refers to copper, also representing the color of the wings.

Small Copper Found Locations

Katakura Castle Ruins Park, Hachiōji

Discovered in Katakura Castle Ruins Park in Hachiōji. Although Celastrina argiolus are abundant in the park, Lycaena phlaeas was seen in the grassland facing the Yudonogawa River. It perched on the grass on the ground, kept its wings open for a while, and then passed through the houses and returned to the park.