Zela Metalmark

About Zela Metalmark

A small butterfly with rust-brown wings marked with fine dark lines and subtle metallic scaling. It inhabits mountain canyons in the borderlands of Arizona and Mexico.

How to Identify Zela Metalmark

Zela Metalmark (Emesis zela) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Riodinidae. Adults typically measure 25-30 mm wingspan.

Zela Metalmark Habitat

Zela Metalmark is found in mountains habitats, particularly across Southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, Mexico. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Zela Metalmark Diet and Feeding

Zela Metalmark feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.

Where Is Zela Metalmark Found?

Zela Metalmark can be found in Southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, Mexico, where it inhabits mountains environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Is Zela Metalmark Dangerous?

Zela Metalmark is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

Zela Metalmark Role in Nature

Zela Metalmark plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.

Seasonal Activity