Metalmarks - Butterflies of the Sabinal River Valley

Metalmarks

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Here we only have two regular species of metalmarks, plus one so hard to ID we don't know how common it is. All in the genus Calephelis. Ours range from dull brown to a more rusty rufous brown. The widespread and very variable Fatal MM (C. nemesis) is most common most of the time. The Texas specialty Rounded MM (C. perditalis) can sometime outnumber it though. During drought times both become very scarce. Some years I only see a handful, or less, of metalmarks in total. Other years over a hundred.

Rawson's MM (C. rawsoni) seems to be present some years in low numbers. However it was long considered dissection is needed to be sure of the ID. Using the process of elimination via characters the two regular species show, one can find the occasional possible or potential hypothetical Rawson's. I think there might be a difference in the forewing ventral metal mark.

Fatal Metalmark (Calephelis nemesis). The dark
area at forewing forming band to hindwing, with a
pale area outside of it, is a great mark for Fatal.
Rounded never shows that. Fatal usually but not always does.

Not positive but I think another Fatal Metalmark
(Calephelis nemesis). Note that it still has that
dark mark across middle of forewing, and extending
onto hindwing. This is a mark of Fatal.

Not sure on this one. Calephelis species. It shows well the metal marks, which look like two lines of solder, and shine in the sun, like metal. The shape of the inner line on forewing is a key in ID. And if possible, note or photo that on underwing. I think this is a Rounded (perditalis). Note on other photos how those metal marks do not show when light not right.

Not sure on this one. Calephelis species. Lost Maples Aug. 26, 2018. Take pics, get pixels, first, then ask questions later.

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probable Rawson's Metalmark - Calephelis rawsoni?
8/10/05 - Uv.Co.

These were a scan of a specimen. On ID by Charles Bordelon:
"as close as you get (to Rawson's) without dissection".

same probable Rawson's Metalmark

Calephelis Metalmark, Uv.Co., Aug. 10, 2005, probably Rounded.

Rounded (Lost) Metalmark (Calephelis perditalis)
8/10/04 - Bandera Co. (first - NCR per Charles Bordelon)
Note bump, roundout, in middle of inner metal mark on forewing.

Fatal (?) Metalmark (Calephelis nemesis)

Fatal Metalmark (Calephelis nemesis)

Metalmark sps., Calephelis sps.
Utopia TX, Uvalde Co.