Calephelis nemesis

The Fatal metalmark, whose Latin name is Calephelis nemesis, is named after ‘Nemesis’, the Greek goddess of vengeance who doled out retribution to those who were arrogant.
Photo Credit: Bill Bouton @ Encyclopedia of Life
Calephelis nemesis
Common Name: fatal metalmark
Animal Guild: Insect
Class > Order > Family: Insecta > Lepidoptera > Riodinidae
What does the species look like? The Fatal metalmark has a clear orange undersurface riddled with metallic spotting and a medium brown upper side with darker brown running midway across all wings. When they land on the undersides of leaves this striped pattern helps seem to “disappear”.

Total adult length: 0.6 to 0.7 inches (15.2 – 17.8 mm). Males of species in this family of butterfly have reduced front legs while the females have full-length front legs.

Similar species: There are many similar species of metalmarks, however the distribution is an important way to distinguish this species from others. The metallic bands on the Fatal Metalmark are not as distinct as some other species.
Where is the species found?
States & Provinces
AZ, CA, NM, NV, TX, UT
Distribution This species occurs across the southwestern United States, generally along major river valleys.
General Phenology and Life History Flying February to October. Often alights on the ground and perches with the wings mostly to completely open. Feeds on seep willows.
Which phenophases should I observe?
Do you see/hear...?
Activity Adults
One or more adults are seen or heard moving about or at rest.
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Adults feeding
One or more adults are seen feeding with their straw-like tongue (proboscis). If possible, record the substance and species on which they are feeding (for example, nectar, sap, dung, or moist soil) in the comments field. For Calephelis nemesis, adults feed on the flower nectar of many different plant species.

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Flower visitation
One or more individuals are seen visiting flowers or flying from flower to flower. If possible, record the name of the plant or describe it in the comments field.

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Reproduction Mating
A male and female are seen coupled in a mating position, usually end to end. This can occur at rest or in flight.

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Egg laying
A female is seen laying eggs on a plant or other surface. If possible, record the name of the plant or describe it in the comments field. For Calephelis nemesis, eggs are typically deposited on seepwillow plants.

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Eggs
One or more eggs are seen on a plant or other surface. If possible, record the name of the plant or describe it in the comments field. For Calephelis nemesis, the tiny, pincushion-shaped, brownish eggs are covered in a raised, polygonal, net-like pattern, and are typically found on seepwillow plants.

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Development Caterpillars
One or more caterpillars (larvae) are seen moving about or at rest. When seen on a plant, if possible, record the name of the plant or describe it in the comments field. For Calephelis nemesis, caterpillars are light green, tan or white with some darker markings and are covered in very long, fine, white or light-colored hairs.

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Caterpillars feeding
One or more caterpillars are seen feeding. If possible, record the name of the species or substance being eaten or describe it in the comments field. For Calephelis nemesis, caterpillars typically feed on seepwillow plants.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Pupae
One or more pupae are seen in a cocoon or shell (puparium). For Calephelis nemesis, pupae are enclosed in a smooth, ovoid, pale green, translucent shell (chrysalis) that is covered in long, white hairs and appears darker as the butterfly develops. They are typically found on or near a seepwillow host plant. Do not include empty pupal shells after the adult has emerged from them.

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Dead adults
One or more dead adults are seen.

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Dead caterpillars
One or more dead caterpillars are seen.

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Method Individuals at a feeding station
One or more individuals are seen visiting a feeder, feeding station, or food placed by a person.

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Individuals in a net
One or more individuals are seen caught in a net.

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Individuals in a trap
One or more individuals are seen caught in a trap.

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What do these phenophases look like?

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