Diet

• Adults visit flowers and may also obtain moisture and minerals from damp ground, mud and streambeds, as is typical of many metalmarks in the genus.

Range

• It occurs in the Zihua area, where it is associated with the tropical vegetation of the Pacific coastal region.

Habitat

• The White-tipped Metalmark occurs in tropical and subtropical woodland, forest edges, clearings and secondary vegetation.

• It can be encountered along sunny forest margins and in areas where flowering vegetation grows beside streams and other damp places.

• In Guerrero, it is associated with the Pacific lowlands and foothills, and it can occur across a range of elevations.

Description

• Melanis acroleuca is a relatively small metalmark with dark, almost black wings and contrasting pale markings.

• The upper surface is predominantly smoky black, with the veins appearing lighter than the surrounding wing membrane.

• The most distinctive feature is the series of white markings at the tip of the forewing, which gives the species its common name. There is also a rounded reddish-orange spot near the base of the forewing.

• The underside has additional reddish markings, including a reddish basal area on the hindwing.

• The abdomen is dark with reddish lateral markings. Females tend to be somewhat larger and more rounded-winged than males.