Butterflies of Tucson, Arizona
This guide provides an overview of the butterflies that live in and around Tucson, Arizona. Skippers are not covered here, there are so many of them that they deserve their own field guide. There are 5 families of "true" butterflies: Gossamer-winged Butterflies (Lycaenidae, includes ...more ↓
Zela Metalmark
Emesis zela is a year-round resident in Arizona and New Mexico, and ranges to Venezuela (Scott 1986). Habitats are mountains. There are several flights Mar1-April30, and June1-Aug.15; perhaps only one flight June15-early July in n. Ariz. (Scott 1986).
Arizona Metalmark
Calephelis arizonensis is a year-round resident of southern Arizona and southern Tex., with a range extending south to Michoacan, Mexico (Scott 1986). Habitats are semi-shaded limestone outcrops in c. Tex., desert foothill canyons in w. Tex, and s. Ariz. Host plants are restricted to a few species of genus Eupatorium (Compositae). Eggs are laid on the host plant singly. ...more ↓
Mormon Metalmark
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 ...more ↓
Fatal Metalmark
The Fatal Metalmark or Dusky Metalmark (Calephelis nemesis) is a butterfly in the Riodinidae family. It is found in the southern part of the United States and Mexico.
Palmer's Metalmark
Palmer's Metalmark or Gray Metalmark (Apodemia palmeri) is a species of Metalmark butterfly, Riodinidae. It is found from western Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, southern Utah, southern Nevada and southern California south to central Mexico and Baja California.
