Swamp Metalmark

Calephelis mutica

The Swamp Metalmark is a very rare butterfly in Wisconsin and throughout its range. It is listed as endangered, threatened or of special concern in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. In Wisconsin, this butterfly is listed as endangered. There are several ongoing attempts at introducing/reintroducing this butterfly into suitable habitats in Wisconsin and Illinois. I located an unknown colony of this species in northern Marquette County in 1998 but none have been seen at this site since 2001. I have spent much effort trying to locate other colonies in suitable habitat within twenty miles of this colony, but I have had no success.

Additional information about the Swamp Metalmark. is located in a paper by Susan Borkin of the Milwaukee Public Museum

Identifying characteristics

Above; reddish brown with two rows of irregular metallic lines. Below: Much different than the upper surface. A light yellow/brown with black dots and silvery specks.

Similar species

None in Wisconsin.

Habitat

Moist open areas where Swamp Thistle grows.

Flight

One brood; July through early August

Abundance

Rare, a Wisconsin state endangered species.

Late Swamp Metalmark Sightings

Date	County	Reported by
Jul 20, 2019	Fond du Lac	Jeremy Meyer
Jul 22, 2019	Fond du Lac	Marci Lanois
Jul 22, 2007	Fond du Lac	David Drexler
Jul 26, 2006	Ozaukee	Sunny Knutson
Aug 3, 2002	Marquette	Ann & Scott Swengel

Locations