Photographed in Nichol field at Raccoon Creek State Park, these tiny butterflies prefer to perch on not too tall plants at the edges of disturbed (cut) trails. At times Lycaena phlaeas are unapproachable…. then unpredictably, individuals can be approached.

An amorous species, at times they openly court out in the open and unaware or unconcerned about their privacy.

These remain among my favorites, with their stunning flash of burnt copper against black and gray, their cute as a button heads and their pluck and boldness.

They can be seen in June and July. They’re petite, so don’t overlook them.

Notice that no two individuals are exactly alike. This one is a beauty.

Jeffrey