Diet

• Caterpillars feed on Clematis species in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Documented hosts include Clematis haenkeana and Clematis polygama.

• Eggs are laid singly or in pairs on the undersides of leaves, often near the leaf margins.

• Adults visit small flowers for nectar, including milkweeds, Croton, Diodia, and Lantana.

Range

• The Falcate Emesis ranges from Mexico through Central America and southward into northern and central South America, reaching Brazil.

• It occurs in Guerrero and is within its natural range in the Zihua area, particularly in warm woodland and forest-edge habitats.

Habitat

• It inhabits a variety of woodland and forest-edge environments, including tropical dry forest, secondary woodland, scrub, clearings, and vegetation bordering forests.

• Areas supporting Clematis vines are particularly suitable for breeding.

• Around Zihua, sunny woodland edges and openings with flowering plants and climbing vegetation are likely places to encounter it.

Description

• A small metalmark with a wingspan of approximately 30–35 mm.

• The forewing has a distinctive slightly falcate, outward-projecting tip, which gives the species its common name.

• Males are predominantly dark brown above, while females are generally brown with a large creamy or pale patch on the forewing.

• The underside of the male is more colorful, with an orange-brown ground color and dark checkered markings; females tend to be yellowish or yellow-brown beneath.