Observation date: July 14, 2011
Submitted by: Alison Davies
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: At first sight, I thought this was a Buckeye because of the brown color. But as I caught up with it and moved in close, I saw that it is much smaller, more delicate, and doesn't have the elaborate colored circles on its wings. It was flitting around some weeds near a duck pond in the local park at around 9:00 a.m. on a cool, cloudy morning, just before the sun broke through.
Status: Resident
Verified by: Ken Davenport
Verified date: July 15, 2011
Coordinator notes: Alison: This is a Fatal Metalmark (Calephelis nemesis), not a Zela Metalmark which does not occur in California (but which I have extensive experience with because I am an expert on most Arizona butterflies too). What is Discover Life? Fatal Metalmarks tend to be rare in California, in fact I have never seen one in this state. Mine are all from Arizona.