I woke up this morning to a clear blue sky and I went straight out and I got lucky. It is not every day that I find a Small Copper in such good condition.
The Small Copper belongs to the family Lycaenidae also known as Gossamer-winged Butterflies. The Common Blue that we have had on here, quite a lot, is from the same family and these two butterflies are about the same size (little)
They normally have two broods a year (sometimes three) with the second brood appearing in August. This one is obviously from that second brood and brand spanking new.
The Hover Fly that is muscling in on our photo shoot is Myathropa florea, the Dead Head Hover Fly that we had on here a few days ago. (The bush they are on is Rubus fruticosus, The Bramble 🙂 )
The shoot went down hill a bit when the Fly turned up but I managed to salvage a few decent pics….
Indeed to my goodness, there is lovely indeed. Great find to brighten any day.
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Thanks Andrew 🙂
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Your colorful photography just takes my breath away. I usually ignore the less exotic butterflies, but I’m starting to see their brilliance better as my mind is better trained.
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It is beautiful, but the butterfly and the hoverfly together also makes a great picture. Loving your blog and the creatures and life you introduce me to.
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I haven’t seen a small copper for years. Thank you for these lovely photos
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Always a joy to read your post and without fail a smile always comes. 🙂 I am thankful for you and you talent and observations! Peace my friend.
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Lovely, indeed!
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