Mormon Metalmark (Mt. Diablo Butterflies)

Mormon Metalmark

Apodemia mormo

Summary ⁵

The Mormon Metalmark (Apodemia mormo) is a species of Metalmark butterfly, Riodinidae. Its upperside is orange-brown to black, checkered with black and white spots. Its caterpillar host is various species of Eriogonum, wild buckwheat. Its adult food is nectar from the flowers of Eriogonum and other plants, especially yellow-flowered composites, such as Senecio and Chrysothamnus (rabbitbrush).

North American Ecology (US and Canada) ⁶

Apodemia mormo is resident throughout the western United states, with distinct populations in North/South Dakota and in Wyoming; the species ranges to Sinaloa, Mex. (Scott 1986). Habitats are grassland, chaparral, open woodland and dunes. Host plants are herbaceous or shrubs and include many species but mostly from one family, Polygonaceae. Eggs are laid on the host plant in clusters of two to four eggs per clutch. Individuals overwinter as young larvae. In most of the range, there is one flight each year with the approximate flight time mainly Aug 1-Aug30, in the south there are several flights Mar1 through early Oct. (Scott 1986).

On Mt. D ⁷

These small (nickel-sized), attractive butterflies host on buckwheats and fly late in the season, so look for them around buckwheat in August and September.