Metalmark Butterflies of Zihuatanejo

SUBFAMILY RIODININAE

• Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

• Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)

• Hexapods (Subphylum Hexapoda)

• Insects (Class Insecta)

• Butterflies and Moths (Order Lepidoptera)

• Butterflies (Superfamily Papilionoidea)

• Metalmark Butterflies (Subfamily Riodininae)

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Subfamily Riodininae comprises the metalmark butterflies, a highly diverse group within the family Riodinidae. Riodininae butterflies are renowned for their remarkable variety of wing shapes, colours, and patterns, often displaying metallic silver, gold, or copper spots and streaks that give rise to the common name "metalmarks." The subfamily is especially diverse in western Mexico, including Guerrero, where tropical dry forests support numerous species. Metalmark butterflies are often considered among the most challenging butterflies to identify because of their immense diversity and subtle distinguishing features.