Lycaena dospassosi

McDunnough, 1940

maritime copper, saltmarsh copper

Lycaena dospassosi is a small to eastern Canada, restricted to coastal saltmarsh where its larval foodplant Argentina egedei grows. First described in 1940 by James McDunnough, it was originally treated as a of L. dorcas but is now recognized as a valid . The butterfly has a wingspan of 25–31 mm and from late July to mid-August. nectar on sea lavender (Limonium carolinianum).

Lycaena dospassosi01 by A-P Drapeau Picard. Used under a CC0 license.Lycaena dospassosi02 by A-P Drapeau Picard. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lycaena dospassosi: //lɪˈsiːnə ˌdɔsˈpɑːsoʊsi//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Appearance

Wingspan 25–31 mm. Males: duller purple above than L. dorcas, with noticeably larger black spots on both upper and undersides of . Underside of pale yellowish-buff; underside browner with submarginal of crescent-shaped markings. Females: similar to males but forewing upperside with partial yellow band beyond postmedial row of black spots.

Habitat

Coastal saltmarsh meadows where larval foodplant Argentina egedei (silverweed) grows.

Distribution

to eastern Canada: eastern Quebec and the Maritime Provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island), occurring along Gulf of St. Lawrence coasts.

Seasonality

period late July to mid-August.

Diet

feed exclusively on silverweed (Argentina egedei). nectar on sea lavender (Limonium carolinianum).

Host Associations

  • Argentina egedei - larval foodplantalso known as silverweed
  • Limonium carolinianum - nectar sourcealso known as sea lavender

Similar Taxa

  • Lycaena dorcasL. dospassosi was originally described as a of L. dorcas; distinguished by larger wingspan, duller purple coloration in males, and larger black spots on .

More Details

Taxonomic history

Originally described as Lacaena dorcas var. dospassosi in 1940, later elevated to status. Sometimes placed in Tharsalea or in subgenus Epidemia of Lycaena.

Etymology

Specific epithet honors Cyril Franklin dos Passos.

Population status

Has localized distribution but may occur in large numbers at suitable sites.

Tags

Sources and further reading