How to Identify Metalmark Butterflies

Metalmark butterflies are a large grouping of butterfly species found throughout the world. They vary widely in color, but they generally have wing spots with a metallic sheen. Some species of metalmark butterflies are endangered including Lange's metalmark, found in California. The swamp metalmark found in isolated locations in the Midwest. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Look for the distinctive metallic spots on the wings that give these butterflies their name. These spots aren't enough to confirm or rule out that a butterfly is a metalmark; but if they are present it is a good sign.

2. Compare male and female specimens. If the females have fully functioning front legs and the male forelegs are smaller, then you have a metalmark butterfly or a member of the Lycaenidae family. Upon close inspection the lower segment of a male metalmark's foreleg will extend past the joint connecting the lower and upper segments.

3. Watch the butterfly perch. Metalmark butterflies typically perch on the underside of leaves with their wings extended and flat.

4. Examine how the wings extend from the body. The front and hind wings are usually separated by an angle extending from body between 45 and 90 degrees.

Tips & Warnings

• Identifying butterflies takes practice. Start by learning to identify the most common species of butterfly in your area from memory.
• Interfering with endangered species of metalmark butterflies can have legal consequences. However, conservation officials need your help to identify these butterflies and record their ranges.
• Scientists dispute whether metalmark butterflies are a separate family, called Riodinidae, or a subfamily within the Lycaenidae family.

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