Genus LYCAENA, Fabricius, 1807 
the Small copper 
Lycaena phlaecis (Linn., 1761). 
(Plate XXIII, facing page 272) 
Haunts and Distribution. This very brilliant little butterfly 
is commonly distributed throughout the British Islands as 
far north as Morayshire. Its chief haunts are rough flowery 
fields, meadows, hillsides, downs, flowery banks and waysides, 
where its favourite flower, the Fleabane (Pulicaria dysenierica), 
flourishes alongside other attractive autumnal flowers. Abroad 
it occurs throughout the Palaearctic region. 
Time of Appearance. The Small Copper is triple-brooded. 
The first brood makes its appearance in May, or early in June, 
in early seasons at the end of April; the second brood in 
July and at the beginning of August; the third in September 
and October. In very warm summers probably a partial 
fourth brood occurs, as perfectly fresh specimens frequently 
occur during the third week of October. 
Hibernation. This species hibernates in the larval state in 
various stages. This is because some of the eggs hatch late 
in October, while other larvae are in an advanced condition, 
having hatched from earlier eggs. These hibernate after the 
fourth and last moult. The larvae start hibernating towards 
the end of October. They rest on a layer of silk spun on 
the stems or the under surface of the leaves. When the 
weather is mild, 50 0 Fahr., some move from their resting 
places and feed a little. In March several become fully grown, 
and pupate towards the end of the month. 
Egg and Egg Laying. The eggs are laid singly and are 
firmly attached to the leaf. On October 17th, 1933, I found 
over 300 eggs and many young larvae upon very small plants 
of Sorrel growing on a dry bank in a space of about 15 or 20 
yards in length. A few of the butterflies were still flitting 
about along the bank ; as many as eighteen eggs were on one 
small leaf, and twenty on another. Most of the leaves had 
from one to six eggs laid on both surfaces, but chiefly on the 
under side. A few eggs were found laid upon other kinds of 
plants when growing close to the Sorrel. 
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B.B. 
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