The Northern Metalmark is one of the rarest and most localized butterflies in eastern North America, now restricted to scattered colonies on shale outcrops in the mid-Atlantic region where its host plant, round-leaved ragwort, grows. Its wings are chestnut-brown with two metallic silver-gray bands and rusty spots. It is a small, alert butterfly that perches with wings spread flat.
Habitat
Shale barrens and dry limestone outcrops with ragwort
Diet
Larvae: round-leaved ragwort. Adults: nectar from composite flowers
How common
Rare
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