Calephelis nemesis

(Edwards, 1871)

Fatal Metalmark, Dusky Metalmark

Calephelis nemesis, commonly known as the fatal metalmark or dusky metalmark, is a small in the Riodinidae. It is distinguished by its modest wingspan of 20–25 mm and its association with arid environments in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The has been documented at the Tucson Gardens and is one of several Calephelis species with evocative names referencing loss or fate.

Fatal Metalmark (Calephelis nemesis) female dorsal by Anne Toal

Camera location26° 10′ 35.3″ N, 98° 21′ 55.6″ W View this and other nearby images on: OpenStreetMap 26.176472; -98.365444
. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

METALMARK, FATAL (Calephelis nemesis) (10-29-11) winter form, 78 circulo montana, patagonia lake ranch estates, scc, az -02 (6292578197) by ALAN SCHMIERER. Used under a CC0 license.

Fatal Metalmark (Calephelis nemesis) dorsal by Anne Toal from US. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Calephelis nemesis: //ˌkælɪˈfɛlɪs ˈnɛmɪsɪs//

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

Identification

Can be distinguished from similar metalmarks by its small size (20–25 mm wingspan) and geographic occurrence in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The C. n. nemesis occurs in northern Mexico and Arizona, C. n. australis in Texas, and C. n. californica and C. n. dammersi in California, potentially showing regional variation in appearance. The "fatal metalmark" distinguishes it from related such as Calephelis perditalis (lost metalmark).

Images

Appearance

A small with a wingspan of 20–25 mm. The "dusky metalmark" suggests relatively subdued coloration compared to more brightly marked metalmarks. As with other members of the Calephelis, the wings likely bear the characteristic metallic spots or bands that give metalmark butterflies their common name, though specific pattern details for this are not well documented in the provided sources.

Habitat

Chaparral canyons near rivers in arid areas, roadsides, and washes. These environments provide the necessary plants and microclimates for larval development and activity.

Distribution

Southern United States (Arizona, Texas, California) and Mexico. Documented have more restricted ranges: C. n. nemesis in northern Mexico and Arizona, C. n. australis in Texas, C. n. californica and C. n. dammersi in California.

Diet

Larvae feed on Encelia californica, Baccharis glutinosa, Clematis drummondii, and Clematis henryi. feeding habits are not documented in the provided sources.

Host Associations

Encelia californica - larval food plant
Baccharis glutinosa - larval food plant
Clematis drummondii - larval food plant
Clematis henryi - larval food plant

Ecological Role

As a herbivore in its larval stage, this contributes to energy flow in arid riparian and chaparral . Its specialized feeding on particular plants may influence plant dynamics in its .

Human Relevance

Observed at the Tucson Gardens as part of the local fauna. The ' "fatal metalmark" has been noted as an example of evocative scientific in popular entomological literature.

Similar Taxa

Calephelis perditalisBoth are small metalmarks in the Calephelis with names referencing loss or fate; C. perditalis is known as the "lost metalmark"

More Details

Subspecies

Four are recognized: C. n. nemesis (northern Mexico, Arizona), C. n. australis (Texas), C. n. californica (California), and C. n. dammersi (California). These were described or revised by McAlpine in 1971.

Etymology

The epithet "nemesis" refers to the Greek goddess of retribution, reflecting a theme of loss or fate shared with related species in the .