Hygenius Metalmark
Common NameHygenius Metalmark
Scientific NameMyselasia hygenius
FamilyRiodinidae
SubfamilyRiodininae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorslight brown, tan, dark brown
HabitatTropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeCentral America (e.g., Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama) and South America (e.g., Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil)
Host PlantsVarious broadleaf plants, specific host plants for Myselasia hygenius not widely documented, but related Riodinidae often use Fabaceae (e.g., Inga species)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, with multiple broods
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult). Larvae are typically somewhat flattened and may have myrmecophilous associations with ants.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, overall drab brown coloration, and the characteristic faint, wavy lines on the underside of the wings. The specific pattern of these lines and the forewing apex markings help distinguish it from similar metalmarks.
Description
A small, drab butterfly with light brown to tan undersides, featuring faint, wavy darker brown lines across both wings. The forewing apex has subtle darker smudges, and the body is hairy.
