This is Lycaena phlaeas commonly known as a 'Small copper butterfly'. It is a widespread butterfly commonly found throughout the UK, Europe and North Africa. Lycaena phlaeas are fast flying; the male is territorial behaving aggressively to all insects except female Lycaena phlaeas. The females can be identified by features such as: larger size, rounder forewings and a small spike of orange extending from the hindwings.

The Lycaena phlaeas caterpillars are very beautiful. They either have a light green body with a golden shine from their hair or a dark green body with bright pink markings. The caterpillars mainly feed on Rumex species (Dock) e.g. Rumex obtusifolius. The Adult butterflies feed on the nectar of various plants such as: Buddleja spp. Taraxacum spp. & Erica spp. The male above is possibly feeding on an Aster x frikartii 'Monach'.