Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Falcate Metalmark
Emesis tenedia C. Felder & R. Felder, 1861


Family: Riodinidae
Subfamily: Riodininae
Identification: Tip of forewing of both sexes extends outward slightly. Upperside of male dark brown; female brown with large creamy patch on forewing. Underside of male orange with dark checks; female yellow-brown.
Wing Span: 1 1/8 - 1 3/8 inches (3 - 3.5 cm).
Life History: Eggs are laid in pairs or singly on the underside of leaf margins. Caterpillars chew circular holes in leaves, and pupate in a partially curled leaf.
Flight: July-January in Mexico and Central America, August and October in South Texas.
Caterpillar Hosts: Clematis haenkeana in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae).
Adult Food: Nectar from Asclepias, Croton, Diodia, Lantana, and other small white flowers.
Habitat: A variety of habitats adjacent to forests.
Range: Panama north through Central America and Mexico. Rare resident in South Texas.
Conservation: Habitat in Starr County, Texas should be conserved.
NCGR: G4 - Apparently secure globally, though it might be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
Management Needs: Protect habitat from Falcon Dam water releases.
Comments: NULL