Diet

• Adult Fatal Metalmarks feed primarily on flower nectar.

• The larvae feed on the leaves of several plants in the Asteraceae.

• Eggs are laid singly on the host plant, and the newly hatched caterpillar begins feeding on the leaf.

Range

• Calephelis nemesis is primarily a butterfly of western and southwestern North America, ranging from the southwestern United States southward through Mexico.

• Around Zihua, this would be a considerably less expected Calephelis than some of the more tropical species of the genus. Its occurrence in the broader Mexican range makes it worth watching for in suitable dry, brushy habitats, but it should probably be regarded as uncommon to occasional around the Zihuatanejo area rather than assumed to be widespread.

Habitat

• Fatal Metalmarks favor dry, brushy and weedy habitats, particularly along roadsides, washes, drainage channels and streams.

• In Mexico, suitable habitat can include dry tropical woodland, thorn scrub, riparian vegetation and disturbed areas where its larval host plants occur.

• Around Zihua, the most promising places would likely be dry forest edges, arroyos, scrubby stream margins and weedy openings, especially where Baccharis, Encelia or other suitable host plants are present.

Size

• The wingspan is approximately 20–25 mm (¾–1 inch), making it a small metalmark.

• The male has a somewhat pointed forewing. The upper surface is predominantly brown with darker median bands and distinctly checkered fringes.