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Suffolk Natural History, Vol. 49
Small Copper aberration: 2012 records The Small Copper aberration caeruleopunctata is a form with a series of blue spots, normally ranging from one to four, along the bottom edge of each hindwing. The aberration is often overlooked as the Small Copper is easy to identify from a distance whereas the blue spots are usually only evident from close inspection. Records from 2012 all featured just one butterfly: 7.7.12 15.7.12 21.7.12 2.9.12 19.9.12
Hollesley TM3544 Christchurch Park, Ipswich TM1645 Thorpeness beach TM4658, TM4659 – one in each Christchurch Park, Ipswich TM1645 Aldeburgh TM4658
The two records from Christchurch Park were both from the north end where management policy now includes leaving long swathes of uncut grass until late in the year. These areas have encouraged the spread of Yarrow, which is a favoured nectar source for the Small Copper. Richard Stewart
Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 49 (2013)