Metalmark Butterflies of Zihuatanejo

GENUS CALEPHELIS

• Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

• Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)

• Hexapods (Subphylum Hexapoda)

• Insects (Class Insecta)

• Butterflies and Moths (Order Lepidoptera)

• Butterflies (Superfamily Papilionoidea)

• Metalmark Butterflies (Family Riodinidae)

• True Metalmarks (Subfamily Riodininae)

• Tribe Riodinini

• Genus Calephelis

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Genus Calephelis is a genus of small metalmark butterflies in the family Riodinidae, distributed from the southern United States through Mexico, Central America, and into parts of South America. Commonly known as metalmarks, these butterflies are typically orange, reddish-brown, or copper-coloured, with intricate patterns of dark lines and tiny metallic silver spots on their wings. Unlike many brightly iridescent tropical butterflies, Calephelis species derive their beauty from their finely detailed markings and subtle metallic scaling. They are usually small, slow-flying butterflies that remain close to the ground and are often found basking on leaves, flowers, or bare soil.