Wright's Metalmark (Calephelis wrighti Holland)
Wing span: 1 - 1 1/8 inches (2.5 - 3 cm).
Identification: Male forewing long and pointed, with indented outer margin. Upperside of both sexes dull red-brown with median band usually not apparent.
Life history: Males perch on or near host plants to seek females. Eggs are laid singly at joints in the host plant stems. Caterpillars feed on the outer coverings of the stems.
Flight: Many broods from February-October.
Caterpillar hosts: Sweet-bush (Bebbia juncea) in the sunflower family (Asteraceae).
Adult food: Nectar from host plant flowers.
Habitat: Near moisture in oases, washes, and canyons.
Range: Southern California and western Arizona south into Baja California.
