Mexican Metalmark
Common NameMexican Metalmark
Scientific NameApodemia mejicanus
FamilyRiodinidae
SubfamilyRiodininae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, white
HabitatArid canyons, rocky hillsides, open woodlands, chaparral
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, southern California) and Mexico
Host PlantsEriogonum
Flight PeriodMarch to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on buckwheat species, typically camouflaged to blend with their host plants. The pupa forms a chrysalis, leading to the adult butterfly.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, the distinctive pattern of dark brown, orange, and white spots, and its characteristic darting flight close to the ground in arid habitats.
Description
A small butterfly with dark brown wings heavily marked with bright orange patches and numerous white spots, especially along the margins of both forewings and hindwings.
