SMALL COPPER BUTTERFLY or AMERICAN COPPER BUTTERFLY (Lycaena phlaeas) male nectaring on Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) at Cross Lough, Killadoon, Mullet Peninsula, Co. Mayo, Ireland

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The Small Copper Butterfly (Lycaena phlaeas) or American Copper Butterfly is of the family Lycaenids which is in the genus Lycaena. This is a common species that is found throughout the Holarctic region which includes North America and Eurasia. It also occurs in North Africa and a number of subspecies are recognised. The normal flight season is from mid April to late October over three generations and it overwinters as a caterpillar.  In North America, it is known as American Copper Butterfly.

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

SMALL COPPER BUTTERFLY (Lycaena phlaeas) male at Lullymore West Bog, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

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The Small Copper Butterfly (Lycaena phlaeas) is of the family Lycaenids  which is in the genus Lycaena.

SMALL COPPER BUTTERFLY (Lycaena phlaeas) on DEVIL'S BIT SCABIOUS WILDFLOWER (Succisa pratensis) Lullymore West Bog, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

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The Small Copper Butterfly (Lycaena phlaeas) is of the family Lycaenids  which is in the genus Lycaena.

The Devil's-bit Scabious Wildflower (Succisa pratensis) is of the family Caprifoliaceae which is in the genus Succisa.