Butterflies of Zihuatanejo

SUPERFAMILY PAPILIONOIDEA

-Curve-winged Metalmark (Curvie emesia)

The Curve-winged Metalmark, commonly referred to as “Curvie” in the genus Emesis is a butterfly in the family Riodinidae. Like other metalmarks, it is known for its fine-lined wing patterns and subtle metallic sheen. This species is distinguished by its slightly curved wing margins, which give it a delicate, scalloped appearance. The wings are typically orange to reddish-brown, crossed with thin, dark lines and bands that create a finely detailed, almost etched pattern. It occurs in Mexico and Central America, inhabiting forest edges, clearings, and brushy habitats. Adults tend to fly low and slowly, frequently perching on leaves or the ground and returning to the same spots.

Diet

Adults feed on nectar from small flowers and may also visit other sugary plant sources.
The caterpillars feed on plants in the legume family (Fabaceae).
The early stages are relatively inconspicuous, and little detailed information is available on the larval biology.

Range

The Curve-winged Metalmark occurs in Mexico from the western and eastern regions southward into the Yucatán Peninsula, continuing through Central America to Costa Rica.
It is an occasional butterfly in the Zihua area, particularly in suitable tropical woodland and forest-edge habitat.

Habitat

It is associated with tropical deciduous forest, woodland edges, clearings, scrub, and secondary vegetation.
Adults tend to stay relatively close to trees and shrubs, where their muted brown coloration provides effective camouflage.
The species can be difficult to notice when perched with its wings closed among dry leaves and vegetation.

Description

A small metalmark with a wingspan of roughly 25–35 mm.
The wings are predominantly brown, with subtle pale markings and a distinctive white bar across the forewing.
Its most remarkable structural feature is the strongly curved leading edge of the forewing. The costa is distinctly concave through its middle, giving the wing an unusual hooked or curved appearance.
Unlike many related metalmarks, the wings lack conspicuous metallic spots.
Females are generally rounder-winged and paler than males.
The combination of the strongly curved forewing costa, white forewing bar, and absence of metallic markings makes this species particularly distinctive.