Diet

• Adults feed on flower nectar and are also attracted to moist ground where they can obtain minerals.

• The caterpillars feed on plants in the elm family (Ulmaceae).

• Caterpillars live in a shelter made by rolling or tying leaves together with silk. Eggs are laid singly, often on the petiole of the host plant.

Range

• Caria ino ranges from southern Texas through Mexico and southward into Central America as far as Costa Rica. In Mexico, the species is particularly associated with western and southern regions, including Guerrero.

• It is occasionally sighted in the Zihua area, particularly in dry tropical forest and other warm, low-elevation habitats.

Habitat

• The Red-bordered Metalmark is associated with subtropical thorn forest, tropical deciduous forest, woodland edges and other relatively dry habitats. Mexican populations occur from near sea level to roughly 1,500 m.

• Males are particularly attracted to damp ground and wet sand, where they gather to obtain dissolved minerals. Females are more often associated with flowering vegetation.

• In the Zihua region, suitable places include dry forest trails, stream margins, damp patches of soil, woodland clearings and areas supporting hackberry and other host plants.

Description

• The Red-bordered Metalmark is a small butterfly with a wingspan of approximately 20–25 mm.

• Males are predominantly dark brown above, with a conspicuous postmedian row of small metallic spots across the wings. Females are generally lighter in color.

• The underside is especially distinctive: males have a checkered reddish pattern, while females tend to have more extensive orange coloration.

• The leading edge of the forewing is noticeably arched, another useful characteristic when distinguishing Caria ino from related metalmarks.