SMALL COPPER BUTTERFLY. 147 



THE SMALL COPPEK BUTTEKFLY. 

 (Chrysophanus Phlceas.) (Plate XIII. fig. 1.) 



WE now arrive at a genus characterized by the splendid 

 golden or burnished coppery lustre and tint of their 

 wings ; of which, however, the present little species is 

 the only one that remains to us, should the "Large 

 Copper" be really (as it is feared) extinct. 



This little, but lively representative of the genus, is 

 one of our commonest and most widely distributed but- 

 terflies, flashing about in the sunshine, joining in a 

 dance with the no less lively blues, or settling on the 

 lilac flowers of the scabious, &c., whose soft tones set 

 off to the best advantage the metallic effulgence of this 

 little gem. 



The caterpillar feeds on sorrel leaves ; is green, with 

 three red stripes. 



The chrysalis and caterpillar both resemble in shape 

 those of the Hair-streaks. 



The butterfly is supposed to be triple-hooded, coming 

 out in April, June, and August ; and is so common, 

 that no localities need be given. 



