Lycaena clarki

Eastern sorrel copper
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1) [1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Lycaenidae
Genus:	Lycaena
Species:	L. clarki
Binomial name
Lycaena clarki Dickson, 1971 [2]

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

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

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. Woodhall, Steve (2005). Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa. Cape Town, South Africa: Struik. ISBN   978-1-86872-724-7.
4. Williams, Mark C. (2008). Butterflies and Skippers of the Afrotropical Region (Papilionoidea and Hesperioidea) (7th ed.).