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Also known as the American Copper, this butterfly is almost always 2.5 cm. Its bright metallic orange forewings have a grey border and black spots. The hind wing is grey with an orange border. The hind wing underside is grey with a wavy, dull, thin orange line.
Males perch to wait for receptive females. Females lay ribbed, pale green eggs singly on the leaves or stems of Sorrel. There are usually two broods; June-July and August-September. The caterpillar resembles a slug, and is a rose colour with a tiny head, and eats Sorrel. They hibernate as a chrysalis. The first adults are usually much brighter and have smaller and fewer spots than their second brothers and sisters.
The Little Copper flies 30-60 cm. off the ground, in rather quick flights, from one flower or perch to another. Adult butterflies drink nectar of flowers like Buttercup, Goldenrods, and White Clover.
You can find the Little Copper in the Algonquin Highlands in open areas, including lawns and old fields where its host plant, Sheep Sorrel grows.
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LITTLE COPPER
Lycaena phlaeas
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