Metalmark Butterflies (Riodinidae)
Invertebrates Around Las Vegas, Wildlife Around Las Vegas
Lepidopterans | Butterflies

There are two subfamilies in the family Riodinidae, the Nemeobiinae and the Riodininae. The Nemeobiinae are only found in the Old World. The North American Metalmarks are all in the Riodininae. North American Metalmarks are recognized by their wing shape (short and broad), elongate antennae, and checkered patterns. Behaviorally, they tend to alight facing either head-up or head-down, and unlike other butterflies, they tend to hold their wings spread out at rest.