By
Kelly Vaughn

Members of the family Riodinidae, Ares metalmark butterflies (Emesis ares) are found across Southern Arizona, Southwestern New Mexico and Mexico and are prevalent in oak woodlands and washes. The butterflies — notable for their orange undersides, small black spots and white-and-gray fringe — thrive on flower nectar and typically emerge from their chrysalises in July. Bruce D. Taubert photographed this metalmark on a blanket flower near Patagonia in Southern Arizona.