Apodemia

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Apodemia: /ˌæpoʊˈdiːmiə/

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Summary

Apodemia is a genus of metalmark butterflies that includes several species known for their distinctive wing patterns and green eyes. They inhabit areas in the western parts of North America and are associated with specific flower types for nectar feeding, while their larvae have host plant preferences among Eriogonum species.

Physical Characteristics

Living insects have green eyes, distinguishing them from Coppers (black eyes) and Checkerspots (gray to brown eyes and broader antenna clubs).

Identification Tips

Distinguished from similar species by the pattern details and the characteristic green eyes of the living insects. Metalmarks hold their antennae straighter than Coppers.

Habitat

Primarily found in western North America, and ranges from Canada to Brazil.

Distribution

New World, from Canada to Brazil.

Diet

Larvae primarily feed on Eriogonum species. Adults favor a wide variety of flowers, particularly Eriogonum and Composite flowers.