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Zela Metalmark (Emesis zela Butler)
Wing span: 1 1/8 - 1 1/4 inches (2.9 - 3.2 cm).
Identification: Forewing somewhat indented below tip. Fringes of male white; those of female dark on forewing, light on hindwing. Upperside dull red-brown; hindwing with more orange. Underside pinkish brown with scattered small dark spots.
Life history: Males perch in openings in valley bottoms to watch for females.
Flight: Two broods from March-August.
Caterpillar hosts: Not reported.
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Oak woodlands, canyons, streamsides.
Range: Southern Arizona south to Venezuela.
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
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 1999 -
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