The Metalmark Butterfly

The metalmark butterfly is very common in Bexar County. There are many species of metalmarks. I'm not sure exactly which one this is. This particular butterfly appears to be either a Fatal, Rounded or Rawson's Metalmark. I'm in a bit of a quandary why the species, Calephelis nemesis, has the common name "Fatal Metalmark." Both the scientific name and common name sound quite ominous. 

The metalmark get their name from the metallic-like reflective markings along the outer bands of their wings. One of the things I find especially fascinating about the metalmark is that many, if not all, the butterflies in the Family Riodinidae have fine, hair-like fibers along the edges of their wings giving them a fringed appearance. These are very small butterflies, easily overlooked unless one happens to be paying close attention:

While somewhat visible in some of the other photos,
the namesake reflective markings are prominent in this photo.

This series of photos was taken on my walk, Friday, September 9 on the South Salado Creek Greenway in South Side Lions Park.