Calephelis perditalis
Barnes & McDunnough, 1918
Rounded Metalmark, Lost Metalmark
Calephelis perditalis is a small in the , described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1918. The occurs from Texas and Mexico southward through Central America to Venezuela. Its , "rounded metalmark" and "lost metalmark," reference the rounded margins and the species epithet perditalis (Latin for "lost"). The species has two recognized : the nominate form and C. p. donahuei described in 1971.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Calephelis perditalis: /kæˈlɛfəlɪs pərˈdɪtəlɪs/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Calephelis by rounded margins. The specific epithet perditalis and "lost " suggest it may have been overlooked or confused with related species prior to its formal description. Separation from the Calephelis nemesis (Fatal Metalmark) and other regional metalmarks requires examination of wing shape and pattern details. C. p. donahuei is restricted to Mexico and described by McAlpine in 1971.
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Habitat
Associated with plants Chromolaena odorata and Eupatorium glabratum, suggesting open, disturbed, or early successional where these plants occur. Specific habitat preferences beyond host association are not documented.
Distribution
Range extends from southern Texas (United States) through Mexico and Central America to Venezuela. Two recognized: C. p. perditalis occurs in Mexico and southern Texas; C. p. donahuei is restricted to Mexico.
Diet
feed on Chromolaena odorata and Eupatorium glabratum (both in Asteraceae). feeding habits are not documented.
Host Associations
- Chromolaena odorata - larval
- Eupatorium glabratum - larval
Life Cycle
with , , , and stages. Larval development occurs on plants Chromolaena odorata and Eupatorium glabratum. Detailed including number of per year and stage is not documented.
Ecological Role
As a , contribute to through consumption of Asteraceae plants. role of is assumed but not documented. Specific ecological interactions are not described.
Human Relevance
No documented economic or agricultural significance. Of interest to and enthusiasts in southern Texas where it represents a regional specialty. The name perditalis has been noted in popular entomological literature as an example of an evocative .
Similar Taxa
- Calephelis nemesis in the same , known as the Fatal Metalmark; distinguished by pattern and shape differences
- Other Calephelis species contains multiple similar small ; precise identification requires detailed examination of and pattern
More Details
Etymology
The epithet perditalis derives from Latin "perditus" meaning "lost," giving rise to the "lost ." This has been cited in entomological literature as an example of a particularly evocative .
Taxonomic history
Described by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1918. C. p. donahuei was described by McAlpine in 1971, restricted to Mexico.
Observation data
As of source date, the has over 2,000 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is relatively well-documented by citizen scientists within its range.