Insect
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Size
32–35 mm (wingspan)About the size of a 5p coin
Weight
Under 1 gramLighter than a paperclip
Lifespan
A few weeks as an adult, across 2–4 overlapping generations between April and November
Rarity
Common
M vs F
Similar in colour; males are territorial and often seen perched on a favourite spot chasing off rivals, while females are slightly larger
Habitat
Grassland, wasteland, heathland, old quarries, embankments, road verges and woodland rides
Best time
April–November, in two to four generations
Conservation
LC
💡 Did you know?
In bright sunlight the Small Copper's wings flash a brilliant, almost metallic orange — an effect created by the structure of the scales as much as by pigment.
Small Copper caterpillars feed on docks and sorrels, and in a warm year the species can squeeze in up to four overlapping generations, making it one of the last butterflies still on the wing in late autumn.
Often confused with
Small Heath (duller orange-brown
no metallic sheen)
Common Blue Butterfly (blue rather than copper-orange)
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