Rounded Metalmark
Common NameRounded Metalmark
Scientific NameCalephelis mutica
FamilyRiodinidae
SubfamilyRiodininae
Wingspan (mm)22.5
Primary Colorsorange, brown, silver
HabitatBogs, fens, wet meadows, prairies
Geographic RangeEastern North America (Ohio, Michigan south to Georgia, west to Missouri)
Host PlantsCirsium muticum, Cirsium discolor
Flight PeriodLate June to early September
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the leaves of host thistles. Larvae feed on the leaves, and pupation occurs near the host plant.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, rounded wings, orange-brown ground color with intricate dark spots and metallic silver markings, and distinctively ringed antennae. It is typically found in specific wet, boggy habitats.
Description
A small, orange-brown butterfly with a complex pattern of dark spots and iridescent silver-white lines, particularly on the hindwings. Its antennae are distinctly ringed with white.
