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