Walker's Metalmark
Common NameWalker's Metalmark
Scientific NameApodemia walkeri
FamilyRiodinidae
SubfamilyRiodininae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black, orange
HabitatArid scrublands, desert washes, rocky hillsides
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas) and northern Mexico
Host PlantsHeliotropium convolvulaceum, Heliotropium curassavicum
Flight PeriodMarch to November (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the host plant. Larvae feed on the leaves, and pupation occurs near the ground.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, the distinctive mottled grey-brown and black pattern, and the bright orange submarginal band on both wings. Its erratic, low flight is also characteristic.
Description
A small butterfly with mottled grey-brown wings, featuring numerous black spots and a prominent orange band along the outer margins of both forewings and hindwings.
