Small Copper Aberrations

There are several common genetic aberrations of the Small Copper butterfly and Anne Riley found this great example of ab. caeruleopunctata, which  expresses additional blue markings on the hindwings, at the Otley Wetlands Reserve.  These can be seen quite clearly in the featured image.  This particular aberration varies from having one or two faint blue spots through to having up to five clearly-defined pear-shaped markings.  It is possible to have multiple aberrations in an individual although this is extremely rare and largely only found in butterflies which have been specially bred in captivity.  There are 140 named aberrations in Great Britain.  More information on the aberrations of this species can be found here.

Photo by Anne Riley