HRITISII BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS 



FAMILY LYC^NID.^ 



Small Copper. — (Chrysophanus phloeas.) The Hair- 

 streaks, and the extinct Large Copper, need not detain us, 

 and we pass on to one of the most delightful little species 

 on the British list. This gay little courtier (Fig. 9) is of 

 active disposition, and seems to take great delight in 

 suddenly thrusting its dapper copper-coloured form 



Small Coppe/r* ^^S9 



under one's immediate observation, as much as to say : 

 " Small I know, but beautiful withal." If impudence 

 and mad frolic do exist in the world of butterfly-life, 

 then this little species with the long scientific name 

 assuredly has it. It revels in wayside places where it 

 can lead a free, unfettered Hfe, and there is a touch of the 

 rover in its nature which makes a strong appeal to the 

 outdoor rambler. It loves flowers, both for the food it 

 obtains therefrom, and to enable it to expand its burnished 

 wings to the full glow of the Summer sun. Late April 

 or early May first sees it abroad, and it is believed to 

 be treble-brooded. The yellowish-white egg is honey- 



