Ares Metalmark (Emesis ares [Edwards])
Wing span: 1 1/4 - 1 3/8 inches (3.2 - 3.5 cm).
Identification: Fringes mostly white. Upperside dark brown with many dark narrow bars. Hindwing with orange patch. Underside dusky orange with rows of small black spots.
Life history: Not reported.
Flight: One flight from July-September.
Caterpillar hosts: Possibly oak trees (Quercus species).
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Washes and streamsides in oak woodland of desert mountains.
Range: Southern Arizona and Mexico.
Conservation: Not usually required.
The Nature Conservancy Global Rank: G4 - Apparently secure globally, though it might be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
Management needs: None reported.
References:
Scott, J. A. 1986. The butterflies of North America. Stanford University Press, Stanford, Calif. 583 pages, 64 color plates. Tilden, J. W. 1986. A field guide to western butterflies. Houghton-Mifflin Co., Boston, Mass. 370 pages, 23 color plates.
Author: Jane M. Struttmann
State and Regional References:
Opler, Paul A. 1999. Peterson Field Guide to Western Butterflies, revised edition. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, Mass. Stanford, R.E. and P.A. Opler. 1993. Atlas of Western USA Butterflies. Privately published, Denver, Colo.