Male. Taken at Aston Upthorpe Downs, Oxon., on May 12th 2021. (© David Hastings)
(1/800th sec at f13)

Underside. Taken at Aston Rowant NNR, Oxon., on August 8th 2020. (© David Hastings)
(1/640th sec at f11)

Male - aberration radiata. Taken at Aston Rowant, Oxon on July 28th 2012. (© David Hastings)
(1/250th sec at f10)

Male - aberration caeruleopunctata. Taken at Fence Wood, Berks on August 4th 2019. (© David Hastings)
(1/320th sec at f13)

Female. Taken at Aston Rowant NNR, Oxon., on July 23rd 2017. (© David Hastings)
(1/320th sec at f14)

Mating pair. Taken at Aston Upthorpe Downs, Oxon., on July 11th 2015. (© David Hastings)
(1/125th sec at f14)

Description

Family: Lycaeninae

Wing span: 27 - 36 mm

This is the only butterfly in Britain with coppery-orange wings, and as such is unmistakable. The size and position of the black forewing spots is quite variable. There is a fairly common aberration which has small blue dots on the hindwing, and another where the orange band on the hindwings is split up, or may be missing entirely.

It is found widely throughout the British Isles except for north-west Scotland.

It is found in a wide variety of habitats but it favours warm, dry sites such as downland, heathland, coastal dunes and shingle. It can also be seen in parks and gardens.

There are typically 2 or 3 generations each year, depending on the weather, with 4 believed to be possible in extremely good years. The first adults emerge in May, occasionally at the end of April, depending on location. The next generation emerges at the end of July, or beginning of August. Adults may also appear in September, depending on location. The species over-winters as a larva.

The main larval foodplants are Common Sorrel and Sheep's Sorrel. Broad-leaved Dock is also used.

Favourite nectar sources are Fleabane and Ragwort.

Males establish territories and leave their perches to attack any passing insect or to pursue any female which appears.

Least Concern

Earliest UK sighting: 18th April ; Latest UK sighting: 10th October

Sightings