Lycaena dorcas claytoni

A.E.Brower, 1940

Clayton's Copper

Lycaena dorcas claytoni is a of in the Lycaenidae. It belongs to the dorcas copper complex, a group of closely related distributed across North America. The subspecies was described by A.E. Brower in 1940. Like other members of the Epidemia (formerly placed in Lycaena), this taxon is associated with wetland and larval plants in the genus Polygonum.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lycaena dorcas claytoni: //lɪˈsiːnə ˈdɔrkæs kleɪˈtoʊnaɪ//

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Identification

As a of Lycaena dorcas, L. d. claytoni would be distinguished from other dorcas copper subspecies by subtle differences in wing pattern, coloration, and size. The dorcas copper complex is characterized by orange- upper wing surfaces with dark spotting and grayish undersides with small dark spots. Accurate identification to subspecies level typically requires examination of series of specimens and comparison of genitalic structures. The subspecies name 'claytoni' suggests an association with a specific geographic region or type that differentiates it from nominate L. d. dorcas and other described subspecies such as L. d. duryi and L. d. crameri.

Habitat

Members of the Lycaena dorcas complex are typically associated with wetland including marshes, wet meadows, and the edges of ponds and streams. The larvae feed on plants in the Polygonum (knotweeds and smartweeds), which require moist to wet soil conditions. The specific microhabitat preferences of L. d. claytoni are not well documented in the provided sources.

Distribution

The distribution of Lycaena dorcas claytoni is not explicitly detailed in the provided sources. The Lycaena dorcas (sensu lato) occurs across much of North America, with different occupying distinct geographic ranges. The subspecies epithet 'claytoni' and the authority A.E. Brower, 1940 suggest a North American distribution, but specific range boundaries are not established from available information.

Diet

Larvae feed on Polygonum (knotweeds/smartweeds). nectar at flowers.

Host Associations

Polygonum - larval plantKnotweeds and smartweeds in wet meadows and marsh edges

Life Cycle

Has been observed

Ecological Role

As a wetland-associated , contributes to pollination of flowering plants in marsh and wet meadow . Larval feeding on Polygonum may influence plant structure in localized areas.

Similar Taxa

Lycaena dorcas dorcasNominate ; distinguished by geographic range and subtle differences in wing pattern and genitalia
Lycaena dorcas duryiAnother described in the dorcas complex; requires examination of type localities and morphological series for differentiation
Lycaena hyllusBronze copper; similar wetland and appearance but typically larger with more extensive dark markings on upper wing surface
Lycaena epixantheBog copper; similar preferences but associated with cranberries (Vaccinium) rather than Polygonum

More Details

Taxonomic Note

The taxonomic status of Lycaena dorcas claytoni is marked as 'DOUBTFUL' in GBIF, indicating uncertainty regarding its validity as a distinct . The dorcas copper complex has undergone repeated taxonomic revision, with some authorities treating various forms as full and others as subspecies. The Epidemia is now widely accepted for this group, though many sources still use Lycaena. The subspecies was described by A.E. Brower in 1940, a period when North American lycaenid was actively being revised.

Conservation Context

Wetland-dependent butterflies including members of the Lycaena dorcas complex ongoing threats from loss and degradation. While specific trends for L. d. claytoni are not documented, the broader pattern of decline in grassland and wetland populations documented in European and North American monitoring programs suggests that localized with restricted ranges may be particularly vulnerable.