Emesidini

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Papilionoidea
Family: Riodinidae
Subfamily: Riodininae
Tribe: Emesidini

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Emesidini: /ɛˈmɛsɪˌdaɪniː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Mormon Metalmark (Apodemia mormo)2 by Steve Berardi. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Mormon Metalmark Butterfly; Apodemia mormo (28117041740) by Joshua Tree National Park. Used under a Public domain license.

Riodinidae (10.3897-zookeys.729.20179) Figure 6 by Trujano-Ortega M, García-Vázquez UO, Callaghan CJ, Ávalos-Hernández O, Luis-Martínez MA, Llorente-Bousquets JE (2018) Two new genera of metalmark butterflies of North and Central America (Lepidoptera, Riodinidae). ZooKeys 729: 61-85. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.729.20179. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Apodemia mormo 2375655 by icosahedron. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Nais Metalmark Upper Miller Canyon Sierra Vista AZ 2019-07-31 10-42-19 (48441187966) by Bettina Arrigoni. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Apodemia mejicanus 27595770 by Ken-ichi Ueda. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

The tribe Emesidini encompasses the genus Apodemia, which includes various species of metalmark butterflies known for their striking coloration and wide distribution across the Americas.

Physical Characteristics

Metalmark butterflies are known for their distinctive metallic wing markings, which vary among species.

Identification Tips

Look for small to medium-sized butterflies with vibrant metallic colors on their wings. Specific patterns and coloration can help identify individual species.

Habitat

Emesidini butterflies inhabit a range of environments from grasslands and meadows to wooded areas, primarily in New World regions.

Distribution

Apodemia species are found from Canada to Brazil, suggesting a broad distribution in the Americas.

Diet

Adult butterflies typically feed on nectar from flowers, while larvae may feed on various host plants.

Life Cycle

Like most butterflies, they undergo complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult stages.

Reproduction

Reproduction generally involves females laying eggs on host plants suitable for the larvae.

Predators

Common predators include birds and other insects that feed on butterflies and caterpillars.

Ecosystem Role

Pollination is a significant role played by adult butterflies in their ecosystems, contributing to the reproduction of many flowering plants.

Cultural Significance

Butterflies have symbolic significance in many cultures, often representing transformation and beauty.