Little Dancer Metalmark
Common NameLittle Dancer Metalmark
Scientific NameAnteros allectus
FamilyRiodinidae
SubfamilyRiodininae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsdark brown, orange, yellow
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeCentral America, South America, southern North America (e.g., southern Texas, Arizona)
Host PlantsByrsonima species
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; late spring to fall in northern parts of its range
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Larvae feed on specific host plants, typically in the Malpighiaceae family.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, dark brown wings with distinctive broad, diagonal orange-yellow bands, and its characteristic darting flight pattern.
Description
A small, dark brown butterfly characterized by prominent, broad, diagonal orange-yellow bands across both its forewings and hindwings.
