Sent when ready in June and again in August or September. The small copper is a diminutive, brightly coloured butterfly that is fiercely protective of its territory and is often seen in damp meadows and rough fields. A very widespread species, with small numbers of adults in each colony, in the wild they can be commonly seen taking nectar from thistles and are often encountered launching themselves from lowly perches to chase off potential intruders: peacock butterflies are regularly challenged! Eggs are laid on sorrel and three definite generations are produced each season. In captivity, it is possible to breed this species continiously throughout the summer in greenhouse type conditions, and stock can be maintained for very many years. The small copper is full of character and a delight to rear.
Larval foodplants: common dock (rumex obtusifolius) and sorrels (rumex).
Rearing: tubs, flowerpot cages.
Photographs: egg on common dock x 20 magnification; egg on common dock x 200 magnification; adult female at rest.
