Kleine vuurvlinder: fel in kleur en gedrag

The Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas) is easy to identify by its bright copper-orange wings with characteristic black dots. It is a common butterfly in the Netherlands, found predominantly on heathlands, dunes and rough grasslands. Areas with many nectarproducing flowers are extremely popular with Small Coppers. Males are very territorial and defend their territory fiercely while they wait for a passing female. There are many variations of Small Coppers, from albinos to variations with blue spots on the wing undersides, the cause of which is yet unknown.