Coppers and Metalmarks in Sussex

 This winter, I am continuing the theme of Butterflies in Sussex, that I started last winter.

Of the two species covered in this post, one is a common member of the Lycaenidae family and the other is the only member of the Riodinidae family to occur in Britain.

Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)

This species is widespread and fairly common in Sussex and can be found in a range of habitats. It is probably most at home on downland but is also found on heathland, along woodland rides and field edges. It generally has three broods a year and I find that it becomes more numerous with each brood.

Male

Female

Female (form caeruleopunctata)

A predatory Crab Spider (Misumena vatia) awaits prey on the fleabane head on the left.

Mating pair

This species is subject to great variation and has many named aberrations.

Here are a couple of examples.

Male (ab. schmidtii) 

Female (ab. extensa)

Duke of Burgundy (Hamearis lucina)

This species is the only member of the Riodinidae family (Metalmarks) to occur in Britain and is one of our rarest and most vulnerable resident species.

 In Sussex, it was on the brink of extinction at the turn of the century but due to targeted habitat management, its numbers have increased very well and its populations in West Sussex are stable. It occurs in discreet colonies on north-facing slopes.

Males

Females

Mating pair

The female (left) has 3 pairs of walking legs and the male has only two pairs. 

Female, with pigment deformity in right forewing.