Observation date: August 03, 2025
Submitted by: jamesvonloh
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Individual ovipositing against leaf bases of a honey mesquite short shrub; it is from the group of metalmarks I believe to be Dury's using the species type-habitat (south of) the eastern pavilion on Tortugas Mountain near Las Cruces, NM. Littleleaf ratany - host dwarf-shrubs for Dury's, were present and with leaves and some flowers emerging. The morning was hot, calm, and under full sunshine.
Status: Resident
Verified by: stevecary
Verified date: January 13, 2026
Coordinator notes: The green eyes and locality make it Dury's. The oviposition on honey mesquite is new to me. you say there were ratany in the area, so I wonder if this was simply a mistake. If it is able to grow caterpillars on honey mesquite, then it should be much more widespread. did you see an egg?
