Little Metalmark
Calephelis virginiensis
Description 5/8-3/4" (16-19 mm). Small. Above, uniform bright rust to orange, with marginal and inner bands of conspicuous, glistening silver-green spots. Below, dull orange, flecked with black or lead-gray, not much paler than above. Fringes uncheckered.
Similar Species Northern Metalmark larger, with wavier outline. Swamp Metalmark larger, with more pointed wings and less red.
Life Cycle Yellow thistle (Cirsium horridulum) is host plant in Texas.
Flight 3 broods in mid-Atlantic states; May, July, September. Individual broods less defined farther south; every month in Florida.
Habitat Open grassy fields, pine savannah, salt marsh meadows, and wood margins.
Range Virginia to Florida, west to Texas and Arkansas.
Discussion Distributed sporadically in all of the Gulf States, the Little Metalmark becomes progressively more local to the north. It is especially fond of pine flats, woodland edges, and damp habitats.
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