Barnes' Metalmark
Common NameBarnes' Metalmark
Scientific NameApodemia mormo langei
FamilyRiodinidae
SubfamilyRiodininae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, white, reddish-orange
HabitatSand dunes, specifically the Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge, characterized by sparse vegetation and sandy soil.
Geographic RangeExtremely restricted to Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge, Contra Costa County, California, USA.
Host PlantsNaked-stemmed buckwheat (*Eriogonum nudum* var. *auriculatum*), California buckwheat (*Eriogonum fasciculatum*)
Flight PeriodLate August to early October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on the host plant, larvae feed on buckwheat leaves, pupation occurs in the soil or leaf litter, and adults emerge in late summer to early fall for a single brood.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, dark brown wings with a unique pattern of white and reddish-orange spots along the margins, and white-ringed antennae. Its extremely limited range to the Antioch Dunes is a key identifier for this specific subspecies.
Description
A small, dark brown butterfly with distinctive white spots along the outer wing margins and a submarginal band of reddish-orange spots, particularly on the hindwings. Its antennae are prominently ringed with white.
