Northern Metalmark
Common NameNorthern Metalmark
Scientific NameCalephelis borealis
FamilyRiodinidae
SubfamilyRiodininae
Wingspan (mm)28.5
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, orange, black
HabitatRocky woodlands, open forests, limestone or serpentine barrens, often near streams.
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from New England south to Georgia, and west to Ohio and Kentucky.
Host PlantsRoundleaf Ragwort (Packera obovata)
Flight PeriodLate May to early July
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesOverwinters as a larva, feeding on the leaves of its host plant. Pupation occurs on or near the host plant.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, dark mottled wings with orange-brown patches and black spots, subtle metallic sheen, and distinct black-and-white ringed antennae. Found in specific rocky woodland habitats.
Description
A small, dark butterfly with a mottled pattern of orange-brown and dark brown on its wings, featuring rows of small black spots and subtle metallic markings along the margins.
