Lycaena orus, the western sorrel copper, is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae. It is found only in South Africa[3] (Eastern Cape Province, Western Cape Province). The habitat consists of fynbos at various altitudes, from sea level to montane regions.

Western sorrel copper
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Lycaenidae
Genus: Lycaena
Species:
L. orus
Binomial name
Lycaena orus
(Stoll, [1780])[2]
Synonyms
  • Papilio orus Cramer, 1780
  • Papilio arcas Fabricius, 1787

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

Larval food is Polygonum undulatum and Rumex lanceolatus.[3][4]

References

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  Media related to Lycaena orus at Wikimedia Commons

  1. ^ Selb, H.E.T. (2020) [amended version of 2020 assessment]. "Lycaena orus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T161320290A175065027. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T161320290A175065027.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