Small Copper

Does the blog seem butterfly-centric lately? That's because they're fluttering around in rather impressive numbers these days, visiting the many flowers we've planted specifically to draw pollinators into the garden. This one is a Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas), a fast-flyer found throughout much of the British Isles (though missing from north-western Scotland, some of the northern Scottish islands, and mountainous areas). It prefers open areas, and lays its eggs on Common Sorrel, Sheep's Sorrel or Broad-leafed Dock — none of which we have in any significant amount in the garden at the moment. We'll have to add some to the bank we're planning to develop and plant in the coming year, because it's definitely a treat to see these handsome insects up close. They typically have 2 - 3 broods per year (4 in exceptionally good years), so we'd have multiple chances to make a difference for this declining species. And that's certainly something to aim for!