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| Little Metalmark |
Latin
Name: Calephelis virginiensis |
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Genus: Calephelis Species: virginiensis |
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Comments: |
| A representative of a subfamily that reaches tremendous diversity in the neotropics, this is Florida's only metalmark species. It scurries among the vegetation with a low, quick flight. Adults regularly perch on flowers or leaves with their wings spread. Although spotty and localized throughout the state, it is often abundant when encountered. |
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Life
Cycle: |
Broods: |
multiple generations |
Egg: |
laid singly on host leaves |
Larva: |
pale green with long white hairs |
Host Plants: |
Yellow Thistle |
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Host
Plants: |
Host
Plants: |
Yellow Thistle |
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Habitat: |
Habitat: |
open grassy areas, pine savannahs, moist meadows and forest edges |
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Wingspan: |
Inches: |
.5 - 1 |
Centimeters: |
1.3 - 2.5 |
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Appearance: |
Sexes: |
similar, although female has broader, more rounded wings |
Compare: |
unique |
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| Markings: |
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Above:
- brownish orange with numerous delicate dark markings and two narrow, metallic gray bands along the outer edge of the wings
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Below:
- similar to upper surface; brownish orange with dark spots and metallic gray bands
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Abundance: |
occasional, locally abundant |
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Map Legend: Resident (green) | Stray
(Red) |
