BUTTERFLIES: METALMARKS

Mormon Metalmark, Apodemia mormo

Family Riodinidae (Metalmarks)

Size: Wingspan 0.8–1.3”

Range: Western and central Colorado

Habitat: Deserts and other arid, rocky areas

The striking Mormon metalmark, a member of the group known as “checkered metalmarks,” is very active, and will often rest with its wings outstretched. The female is larger than the male, with broader wings, but otherwise is similar. The upper side of the wing is rusty orange on the inner portion of the forewing and dark brown to blackish elsewhere, with extensive white spotting overall and checkered wing margins. The underside is patterned as above but set against a much paler background color. The body is dark brown above, whitish below; the butterfly has thin, club-tipped antennae and unusual green eyes. The caterpillar is plump, patterned in brown, purplish, and black, with long, thin hairs. The caterpillar eats the leaves and stems of plants in the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae). Adults feed on flower nectar, particularly that of rabbitbrush and others in the sunflower family (Asteraceae).