Blue-rayed Metalmark
Common NameBlue-rayed Metalmark
Scientific NameMesosemia mevania
FamilyRiodinidae
SubfamilyRiodininae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsdark blue, iridescent blue-green, pink
HabitatTropical lowland forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeMexico south through Central America to northern South America (e.g., Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil)
Host PlantsMiconia (Melastomataceae)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, adult. Larvae are typically flattened and slug-like, often camouflaged on host plants.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive iridescent blue-green 'rays' on the dark wings, the iridescent blue spot on the thorax, and the two bright pink spots on the forewings. Its small size and characteristic darting flight are also helpful.
Description
A striking dark blue butterfly with iridescent blue-green stripes radiating from the wing bases to the margins, featuring a prominent iridescent blue spot on the thorax and two bright pink spots on the forewings.
