Butterflies of Zihuatanejo

SUPERFAMILY PAPILIONOIDEA

-White-rayed Metalmark (Melanis cephise)

Melanis cephise, commonly known as the White-rayed Metalmark, is a butterfly in the family Riodinidae. It is easily recognized by its dark wings marked with narrow, radiating white streaks (“rays”), which give it a distinctive starburst-like appearance. This species is found in Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America, inhabiting forest edges, clearings, and brushy habitats. Adults are often seen flying low and slowly, frequently perching on or under leaves or near the ground.

Diet

The caterpillars feed on plants in the legume family (Fabaceae).
Adults feed on flower nectar. They visit Cordia, Lantana and various members of the aster family.
Adults may also obtain moisture and dissolved minerals from damp soil and streambeds.

Range

Melanis cephise occurs from western and southern Mexico through Central America, with the nominate form M. c. cephise occurring in Mexico and Nicaragua.
In Mexico it occurs along the Pacific slope, including Guerrero. Populations are known from the Acapulco area and other parts of Guerrero.
It occurs in the Zihua area, where suitable tropical deciduous woodland and associated vegetation are present.

Habitat

The White-rayed Pixie is primarily associated with tropical deciduous and semi-deciduous forest, forest edges, open scrub and riparian vegetation.
In lowland areas it is often found in relatively open vegetation, while some populations inhabit gallery forest along streams. In Mexico it occurs from near sea level into the mountains, although it is primarily a tropical lowland and foothill species.
Adults frequently perch on the undersides of leaves and may be encountered along forest trails, clearings and stream corridors.

Description

Melanis cephise is a small to medium-sized metalmark with predominantly velvety black wings and a striking pattern of contrasting white markings.
The pale or white wing veins are particularly distinctive, producing the radiating pattern responsible for the common name White-rayed Pixie.
The forewing has a series of white markings toward the outer portion of the wing, while both wings have narrow pale markings along portions of their margins.
Bright reddish-orange spots near the bases of the wings provide a strong contrast with the otherwise black-and-white pattern.
The underside retains the basic black, white and reddish-orange pattern but is somewhat less intensely coloured. Males and females are similar, although females are generally slightly larger and have somewhat broader, more rounded wings.