Small Copper

National Status

Found in wide range of habitats throughout the UK, range contracting. Population trend 10 years to 2016 -19%; since 1976 -37%.

West Midlands Status

Widespread – range stable. Population trend 10 years to 2016 – stable.

Habitat

Likes dry places including heathland – colonial but will wander. Found in all types of grassland including on acid soils, but absent from intensively farmed areas.

Flight Period

Usually two generations in the West Midlands: April–June, particularly early May, and late July–October, with some November records in a good year.

Hotspots

Malvern Hills and Ryall (Worcestershire); Earl's Hill, Prees Heath and The Bog (Shropshire); Highgate Common (Staffordshire) and Shobdon Hill (Herefordshire).

Caterpillar Food Plant

The main foodplants are Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) and Sheep’s Sorrel (Rumex acetosella). Broad-leaved Dock (Rumex obtusifolius) is also used.

Refer to the Gardening for butterflies website by Joseph Shaffery for more details about caterpillar food plants and nectar sources.