 |
|
|
The nine different Small Coppers on this page were seen in the meadow at various times over little more than a weekend, indicating that our "colony" was more extensive than might have been imagined from the two or three individuals seen at any one time. Had I not decided to take identification pictures of all of them we might never have realised we had so many
|
|
|
|
They are a mixture of males and females (good practice in identifying which is which!), some with the blue-spot markings and one exhibiting the "rainbow sheen" effect so typical of the species
|
|
|
|
Wing damage is also visible in some cases, a common problem with all butterflies but very helpful when it comes to identifying individuals. This was taken to extremes in the case of, we think, the female at the left here who we saw several days later with both rear wings missing! (presumably sheared off at the "notches" visible in the picture). She was still able to fly though, if only just
|
