POLYOMMATUS or CHRYSOPHANUS PHLÆAS.
A copper butterfly, and a common English specimen, measuring from one to one and a half inches across the wings. The fore-wings are of a bright copper red, with large square black spots distinctly marked, and an outer band of brown. The hind-wings are dark brown, having a marginal copper band on the outer edge, which in some specimens is surmounted by a few blue spots. The underside of the fore-wings is pale copper, the hind-wings being grey, with minute black or dark brown spots, and traces of a marginal band of copper. It is commonly found from February to September in most places in Teneriffe, up to the altitude of the pine forests. The larva feeds on a variety of Rumex (dock or sorrel). Some specimens have been found much darker in colour than those described above, the difference being so great as to suggest the possibility of a distinct variety.