Lycaena clarki, the eastern sorrel copper, is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae. It is found only in South Africa.[3]

Eastern sorrel copper
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Lycaenidae
Genus: Lycaena
Species:
L. clarki
Binomial name
Lycaena clarki
Dickson, 1971[2]

The wingspan is 21–27 mm in males and 22–30 mm in females. The butterfly flies year-round, peaking in summer.[3]

Larval food is Rumex lanceolatus.[3] The larvae vary considerably in colour, ranging from plain green to pinkish red. However, there is always a white subspiracular stripe and a dorsal line of a darker colour. Both eggs and pupa may hibernate.[4]

References edit

  1. ^ Pringle, E.L. (2020) [amended version of 2020 assessment]. "Lycaena clarki". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T161320235A175064897. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T161320235A175064897.en. Retrieved 9 August 2021.
  2. ^ Lycaena at Markku Savela's Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms
  3. ^ a b c Woodhall, Steve (2005). Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa. Cape Town, South Africa: Struik. ISBN 978-1-86872-724-7.
  4. ^ Afrotropical Butterflies: Lycaenidae - Subfamily Lycaeninae