Calephelis borealis
Size:
Wingspan is 1 1/8 - 1 1/4 inches.
Similar Species:
Little Metalmark (much smaller)
Habitat:
Wooded areas, streams and openings along roads and forests
all associated with limestone or shale barrens.
Range/Abundance:
Rare in VA and WV
in isolated colonies. Not recorded in NC or SC.
Flight Period:
Adults fly from mid June until late July in a single brood.
Larval Host Plants:
Round-leaved Ragwort Senecio obovatus and Prairie Ragwort
Senecio plattensis
Comments:
This is a large metalmark when compared to the tiny Little
Metalmark. Northern Metalmark is found only in very local sites in
the mountains during June and July. Little Metalmark is found in pine
savannas in the coastal plain.
The top and second photos were taken in Radford, VA on
July 02, 2000. The bottom photo was taken in Radford, VA on July 07, 2003.
