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Fatal Metalmark

Calephelis nemesis

The Fatal Metalmark is a small butterfly with beautiful orange and black patterns. They flutter around in sunny places, adding color to gardens and fields.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Fatal Metalmark is a small butterfly with dark, brownish-black wings adorned with striking rows of shiny, iridescent orange-red and metallic silver-blue spots. Its wings also have a distinct fringe of black and white hairs, making it stand out from similar species.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyRiodinidaeGenusCalephelis
Fatal Metalmark
colorful trait badgegrassland trait badgeherbivorous trait badgepollinator_magnet trait badge
Fatal Metalmark

Category

Insects

Rarity

Rare

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Baby Fatal Metalmarks are called 'slug caterpillars' for their flat, broad shape!

Its scientific name, 'nemesis,' means enemy, hinting at its tough defense!

Some metalmarks wave their wings quickly to flash metallic spots, dazzling predators!

These butterflies often 'puddle' on wet soil, drinking important minerals!

Special abilities

Ability

Dazzling Defender

Fatal Metalmark has shiny, metallic spots that can trick predators into thinking it's not tasty or confuse them for a quick escape.

Ability

Chemical Shield

Fatal Metalmark can taste bad because it stores special chemicals from plants, making it an unappetizing snack for predators.

Ability

Leafy Camouflage

Fatal Metalmark has confusing wing patterns that help it blend into its leafy surroundings, making it harder for birds to spot.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
20-30 mm
Size
15-25 mm
Lifespan
10-20 days
Flight Speed
8 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults sip nectar from flowers, while caterpillars munch on plants.

Age differences: Larvae eat leaves; adults drink flower nectar.

Primary Foods

  • flower nectar
  • Baccharis leaves
  • Eriogonum leaves
  • Aster nectar

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

depends on

Wright's Buckwheat

Eriogonum wrightii

Larvae eat its leaves for food and shelter.

eaten by

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

An insectivorous bird that preys on butterflies.

pollinates

Mulefat

Baccharis salicifolia

Adults visit this plant for its nectar.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch butterflies from a distance and don't try to catch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fatal Metalmark's wingspan?

20-30 mm

How big is Fatal Metalmark?

15-25 mm

How long does Fatal Metalmark live?

10-20 days

How fast can Fatal Metalmark fly?

8 km/h

What does Fatal Metalmark eat?

Adults sip nectar from flowers, while caterpillars munch on plants.

Where is Fatal Metalmark usually found?

Grasslands

How does Fatal Metalmark hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Fatal Metalmark have?

6

Snap Map

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