Riodinidae : Riodininae
Dianesia carteri (Holland, 1902)
Caribbean Metalmark
Dianesia carteri (Holland, 1902)
Caribbean Metalmark
Description and Similar Species: Wingspan 32-40mm. Sexes similar though males have narrower more pointed wings. Although it can be seen in daytime activity seems to increase towards dusk and Hernández describes seeing it when darkness was so far advanced that the butterflies were scarcely distinguishable. This combined with its habit of often settling on the underside of leaves means that it can more easily be mistaken for a moth rather than a butterfly.
Range: It has been recorded only from Cuba and the Bahamas. The subspecies D. c. ramsdeni occurs on Cuba and the subspecies D. c. carteri occurs in the Bahamas.
Status: Widespread but rare in Cuba though this may be because it is easily overlooked due to its crepuscular habits.
Nectar Plants: Lantana.
Larval Foodplants: Several species of Buxus are known to be used.
Range: It has been recorded only from Cuba and the Bahamas. The subspecies D. c. ramsdeni occurs on Cuba and the subspecies D. c. carteri occurs in the Bahamas.
Status: Widespread but rare in Cuba though this may be because it is easily overlooked due to its crepuscular habits.
Nectar Plants: Lantana.
Larval Foodplants: Several species of Buxus are known to be used.
