Home › The Milkweed Butterflies › The Small Metal-Mark

The Small Metal-Mark

Calephelis cænius (Cal-e-phe'lis cæ'ni-us) PLATE XXXIII, FIG. 1, 2 The upper surface of the wings is rust-colored, and is crossed by four or five more or less sinuous blackish lines on the basal two-thirds, and on the outer third by two lines of shining scales, that look like cut steel, and an intermediate row of black spots. The under surface is of a brighter rust color and marked as above. Expanse of wings four-fifths of an inch or less.

The early stages are unknown; the species occurs in the Southern States. It is believed to be several-brooded. We captured specimens in central Florida in April ; and it has been found in Georgia as late as the end of October.