Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Zela Metalmark
Emesis zela Butler, 1870


Family: Riodinidae
Subfamily: Riodininae
Identification: Forewing somewhat indented below tip. Fringes of male white; those of female dark on forewing, light on hindwing. Upperside dull red-brown; hindwing with more orange. Underside pinkish brown with scattered small dark spots.
Wing Span: 1 1/8 - 1 1/4 inches (2.9 - 3.2 cm).
Life History: Males perch in openings in valley bottoms to watch for females.
Flight: Two broods from March-August.
Caterpillar Hosts: Not reported.
Adult Food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Oak woodlands, canyons, streamsides.
Range: Southern Arizona south to Venezuela.
Conservation: Not usually required.
NCGR: G4 - Apparently secure globally, though it might be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
Management Needs: None reported.
Comments: NULL