# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Rare - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 6 - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Fatal Metalmark](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Calephelis_nemesis.jpg&width=800) Photo: Mike, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Calephelis_nemesis.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Riodinidae - **Genus:** Calephelis ## 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 - **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. - **Chemical Shield:** Fatal Metalmark can taste bad because it stores special chemicals from plants, making it an unappetizing snack for predators. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/says-phoebe) (*Sayornis saya*) — An insectivorous bird that preys on butterflies. - **Pollinates:** Mulefat (*Baccharis salicifolia*) — Adults visit this plant for its nectar. ## Traits - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always watch butterflies from a distance and don't try to catch them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Fatal Metalmark? Compare the wing outline, spots, bands, eyespots and wing edges. The underside can look completely different from the top. Check for tails, the antennae and where the markings sit instead of relying on color alone. Butterfly Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [San Antonio Missions National Historical Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/san-antonio-missions-national-historical-park) — Texas, US · National Park - [South Coast Botanic Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/south-coast-botanic-garden) — California, US · Botanical Garden - [Alta Vista Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/alta-vista-gardens) — California, US · Botanical Garden - [King Ranch](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/king-ranch) — Texas, US · Historic Site - [National Butterfly Center](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/national-butterfly-center) — Texas, US · Nature Reserve - [Tohono Chul](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/tohono-chul) — Arizona, US · Botanical Garden [View all places to see Fatal Metalmark](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/fatal-metalmark) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Fatal Metalmark: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/fatal-metalmark)