Zygia Metalmark
Common NameZygia Metalmark
Scientific NameLemonias zygia
FamilyRiodinidae
SubfamilyRiodininae
Wingspan (mm)28
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, white, orange
HabitatTropical forests, forest edges, clearings, often near streams
Geographic RangeMexico to Central America and northern South America (e.g., Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil)
Host PlantsCordia species
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, multiple broods
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae feed on Cordia plants before pupating into a chrysalis and emerging as an adult butterfly.
Identification TipsLook for its distinctive dark brown and white patterned wings, especially the large central white areas, and its small size typical of metalmarks.
Description
A small butterfly with dark brown to black wings adorned with prominent white patches and numerous smaller white spots, often with a row of orange spots along the hindwing margin.
