| ADULT |
Wingspan - 26 - 36mm (male); 30 - 40mm (female). The
brilliant coppery-orange upper surface of the forewings with the black
spots and thick chocolate brown margin make this small gem easily
identifiable. The hindwings upperside is brown with a orange
submarginal band. Occasionally there is a row of blue dots just
inside this band. The underside of the forewing is a paler version
of its upperside with the hindwing undersurface being predominantly grey
with faint black markings. Towards the outer edge there is a faint
orange submarginal line with beyond this a small triangular point or
tail projection from the wing edge. |
| CHRYSALIS |
11mm. Pale brown with darker speckling and found
within leaf litter or attached to the foodplant. |
| LARVA |
16mm. A pretty combination of green and purple
stripes this colourful caterpillar can be found on common or sheep's sorrel
or docks. Totally green specimens can be common. |
| EGG |
White, looking like squashed golf balls, ridged and found
on sorrels and docks. Hatching time within 7 days. |
| BEHAVIOUR |
These twitchy little characters live in small colonies
near to nectar rich flowers. Males are territorial and both sexes
love to perch and bask in high sunlight. All approaching
butterflies are readily seen off unless it is a female. |
| HABITAT |
Woodland rides, meadows, grassy verges, hillsides and
wasteground. |
| FLIGHT PERIOD |
April - October in 2 distinct broods with possibly a third
in southern regions. |
