Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Fatal Metalmark
Calephelis nemesis (W.H. Edwards, 1871)


Family: Riodinidae
Subfamily: Riodininae
Identification: Male forewing pointed. Upperside brown with slightly darker median bands; fringes checkered.
Wing Span: 3/4 - 1 inch (2 - 2.5 cm).
Life History: Eggs are laid singly on host plant leaves, which the caterpillars eat.
Flight: All year in south Texas, May-October in California.
Caterpillar Hosts: Seepwillow (Baccharis glutinosa), perhaps virgin's bower (Clematis species).
Adult Food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Brushy or weedy areas along roadsides, washes, ditches, and streams.
Range: Southern California through the Southwest to central Texas, south to southern Mexico.
Conservation: Widespread and common. Most populations are not of concern, but endemic California subspecies may be in jeopardy.
NCGR: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
Management Needs: None reported.
Comments: NULL
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