Calephelis virginiensis
Size:
Wingspan is 1/2 - 3/4 inch.
Similar Species:
Northern Metalmark (much
larger)
Habitat:
Open Longleaf Pine savannas and flatwoods.
Range/Abundance:
Rare found only
in the coastal plains of NC, SC and VA. Not recorded in WV.
Flight Period:
Adults fly from early April until mid October in three broods with gaps
between broods. Most abundant in mid September.
Larval Host Plants:
Vanilla-plant Trilisa odoratissima and Yellow
Thistle Cirsium horridulum. Although
Yellow Thistle is very common in the coastal plain, no larvae have been
found on it.
Comments:
This is a tiny metalmark and it's easily overlooked. It is found in the
coastal plain inside of open pine savannas.
The top photo was taken in Croatan National Forest in Carteret Co., NC on May 26, 2003. The second photo was taken in Croatan National Forest in NC on August 23, 2001. The bottom photo was taken in Croatan National Forest in NC on August 26, 2000.
