lacks the bright-yellow band of postmedian spots on the primaries, or
they are but faintly indicated. The species is subject to considerable
variation in size and the intensity of the markings. A very remarkable
aberration in which the yellow spots cover almost the entire outer half
of the wings has been found on several occasions, and was named _Papilio
calverleyi_ by Grote. The female of this form from the type in the
author's collection is represented in Plate XLI, Fig. 6. Expanse,
2.75-3.25 inches.
_Early Stages._--The caterpillar feeds on the _Umbelliferæ_, and is
common on parsley and parsnips in gardens. In the South I have found
that it had a special liking for fennel, and a few plants in the
kitchen-garden always yielded me in my boyhood an abundant supply of the
larvæ.
+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| |
| EXPLANATION OF PLATE XLI |
| |
| 1. _Papilio machaon_, Linnæus, var. |
| _aliaska_, Scudder, ♂. |
| 2. _Papilio nitra_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 3. _Papilio indra_, Reakirt, ♀. |
| 4. _Papilio polydamas_, Linnæus, ♂. |
| 5. _Papilio troilus_, Linnæus, ♂. |
| 6. _Papilio asterias_, Cramer, var. |
| _calverleyi_, Grote, ♀. |
| |
| [Illustration PLATE XLI.] |
+--------------------------------------------------------------+
_P. asterias_ ranges all over the Atlantic States and the valley of the
Mississippi.
(18) =Papilio troilus=, Linnæus, Plate XLI, Fig. 5, ♂; Plate II, Figs.
18, 19, 22, _larva_; Plate VI, Figs. 5-7, _chrysalis_ (The Spice-bush
Swallowtail).
_Butterfly._--The upper side of the male is accurately depicted in the
plate. The female has less bluish-green on the upper side of the hind
wings. Expanse, 3.75-4.25 inches.
_Early Stages._--The caterpillar lives upon the leaves of the common
spicewood and sassafras, and draws the edges of a leaf together, thus
forming a nest in which it lies hidden.
The insect is found throughout the Atlantic States and in the
Mississippi Valley.
(19) =Papilio palamedes=, Drury, Plate XLII, Fig. 1, ♀ (Palamedes).
_Butterfly._--The upper side of the wings is very accurately depicted in
the figure just cited. On the under side the predominant tint is bright
yellow. Expanse, 3.50-4.25 inches.
_Early Stages._--These are described by Scudder in the third volume of
his work on "The Butterflies of New England." The caterpillar feeds on
_Magnolia glauca_, and on plants belonging to the order _Lauraceæ_.
The insect ranges from southern Virginia, near the coast, to the extreme
southern end of Florida, and westward to southern Missouri and eastern
Texas.
(20) =Papilio philenor=, Linnæus, Plate XLII, Fig. 2, ♂; Plate II, Figs.
13, 20, 21, _larva_; Plate VI, Figs. 14, 17, 20, _chrysalis_ (The
Pipe-vine Swallowtail).
_Butterfly._--The figures in the plates obviate the necessity for
describing this familiar but most beautiful insect, the glossy
blue-green of which flashes all summer long in the sunlight about the
verandas over which the _Aristolochia_ spreads the shade of its great
cordate leaves. Expanse, 3.75-4.25 inches.
_Early Stages._--The caterpillar feeds upon the leaves of _Aristolochia
sipho_ (the Dutchman's-pipe) and _Aristolochia serpentaria_, which
abound in the forest lands of the Appalachian region.
_Philenor_ is always abundant during the summer months in the Middle
Atlantic States, and ranges from Massachusetts to Arizona, into southern
California and southward into Mexico. It is double-brooded in western
Pennsylvania, and the writer has found females ovipositing as late as
October. The caterpillars are familiar objects about houses on which the
_Aristolochia_ is grown as an ornamental vine.
(21) =Papilio polydamas=, Linnæus, Plate XLI, Fig. 4, ♂ (Polydamas).
_Butterfly._--Easily distinguished by the absence of tails on the hind
margin of the secondaries. The butterfly recalls the preceding species
by the color of the wings on the upper side. On the under side the fore
wings are marked as on the upper side; the hind wings have a marginal
row of large red spots. Expanse, 3.00-3.50 inches.
_Early Stages._--The caterpillar is dark brown, and in many points
resembles that of _P. philenor_ in outline, but the segments are spotted
with ocellate yellow and red spots. It feeds on various species of
_Aristolochia_. The chrysalis resembles that of _P. philenor_.
This lovely insect represents in the United States a great group of
butterflies closely allied to it, which are natives of the tropics of
the New World. It occurs in southern Florida and Texas, and thence
ranges southward over Cuba, Mexico, and Central America.
THE CATERPILLAR AND THE ANT
"A pensy Ant, right trig and clean,
Came ae day whidding o'er the green,
Where, to advance her pride, she saw
A Caterpillar, moving slaw.
'Good ev'n t' ye, Mistress Ant,' said he;
'How's a' at hame? I'm blyth to s' ye.'
The saucy Ant view'd him wi' scorn,
Nor wad civilities return;
But gecking up her head, quoth she,
'Poor animal! I pity thee;
Wha scarce can claim to be a creature,
But some experiment o' Nature,
Whase silly shape displeased her eye,
And thus unfinish'd was flung bye.
For me, I'm made wi' better grace,
Wi' active limbs and lively face;
And cleverly can move wi' ease
Frae place to place where'er I please;
Can foot a minuet or jig,
And snoov't like ony whirly-gig;
Which gars my jo aft grip my hand,
Till his heart pitty-pattys, and--
But laigh my qualities I bring,
To stand up clashing wi' a thing,
A creeping thing the like o' thee.
Not worthy o' a farewell t' ye.'
The airy Ant syne turned awa,
And left him wi' a proud gaffa.
The Caterpillar was struck dumb,
And never answered her a mum:
The humble reptile fand some pain,
Thus to be banter'd wi' disdain.
But tent neist time the Ant came by,
The worm was grown a Butterfly;
Transparent were his wings and fair,
Which bare him flight'ring through the air.
Upon a flower he stapt his flight,
And thinking on his former slight,
Thus to the Ant himself addrest:
'Pray, Madam, will ye please to rest?
And notice what I now advise:
Inferiors ne'er too much despise,
For fortune may gie sic a turn,
To raise aboon ye what ye scorn:
For instance, now I spread my wing
In air, while you're a creeping thing.'"
ALLAN RAMSAY.
+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| |
| EXPLANATION OF PLATE XLII |
| |
| 1. _Papilio palamedes_, Drury, ♀. |
| 2. _Papilio philenor_, Linnæus, ♂. |
| 3. _Papilio cresphontes_, Cramer, ♂. |
| 4. _Papilio thoas, Linnæus_, ♂. |
| |
| [Illustration PLATE XLII.] |
+--------------------------------------------------------------+
[Illustration]
FAMILY V
HESPERIIDÆ (THE SKIPPERS)
"Bedouins of the pathless air."--H.H.
_Butterfly._--The butterflies belonging to this family are generally
quite small, with stout bodies, the thorax strongly developed in order
to accommodate the muscles of flight. They are exceedingly rapid in
their movements. Both sexes possess six feet adapted to walking, and the
tibiæ of the hind feet, with few exceptions, have spurs. The lower
radial vein of the hind wing in many of the genera is lacking, or is
merely indicated by a fold in the wing. There is great variety in the
form as well as in the coloration of the wings.
_Egg._--The eggs, so far as we are acquainted with them, may be said to
be, almost without exception, more or less hemispherical, with the flat
section of the hemisphere serving as the base. They are sometimes
smooth, but not infrequently ornamented with raised longitudinal ridges
and cross-lines, the ornamentation in some cases being very beautiful
and curious.
_Caterpillar._--The caterpillars are cylindrical, smooth, tapering
forward and backward from the middle, and generally possess large
globular heads. They commonly undergo transformation into chrysalids
which have an anal hook, or cremaster, in a loose cocoon woven of a few
strands of silk.
This family, the study of which presents more difficulties than are
presented by any other family of butterflies, is not very well developed
in the Palæarctic Region, but finds its most enormous development in the
Nearctic and Neotropical Regions. It is also very strongly developed in
the Indo-Malayan and Ethiopian Regions. There are, at the present time,
in the neighborhood of two thousand species belonging to this family
which have been named and described.
+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| |
| EXPLANATION OF PLATE XLIII |
| |
| 1. _Papilio turnus_, Linnæus, ♂. |
| 2. _Papilio turnus_, Linnæus, dimorphic |
| ♀, _glaucus_, Linnæus. |
| 3. _Colias eriphyle_, Edwards, = |
| _Colias hageni_, Edwards, ♂, _under side_. |
| 4. _Pyrameis atalanta_, Linnæus, ♂. |
| 5. _Epargyreus tityrus_, Fabricius, ♂. |
| |
| (The figures in this plate are reduced, being only |
| three fourths of the natural size.) |
| |
| [Illustration PLATE XLIII.] |
+--------------------------------------------------------------+
SUBFAMILY PYRRHOPYGINÆ
"Seeing only what is fair,
Sipping only what is sweet."
EMERSON.
This subfamily is composed of closely related genera which are found
only in the New World. They may be easily recognized by the large blunt
club of the antennæ. The cell of the fore wing is always very long,
being two thirds the length of the costa; the lower radial vein usually
rises from the end of the cell, a little above the third median nervule,
and at a considerable remove from the upper radial. They are said when
at rest to extend all their wings horizontally.
But one genus belonging to this subfamily is represented within the
limits of the United States.
Genus PYRRHOPYGE, Hübner
_Butterfly._--The neuration is as represented in the cut, and need not,
therefore, be described at length. The club of the antennæ is thickened,
usually bluntly pointed and bent into a hook.
[Illustration FIG. 150.--Head and antenna of _Pyrrhopyge_, magnified 2
diameters.]
[Illustration FIG. 151.--Neuration of the genus _Pyrrhopyge_.]
(1) =Pyrrhopyge araxes=, Hewitson, Plate XLV, Fig. 9, ♂ (Araxes).
_Butterfly._--Easily recognized from the figure in the plate. The hind
wings are prevalently yellow on the under side. It is wholly unlike any
other species found within the faunal limits with which this book deals.
The wings expand about two inches. We have no knowledge whatever of the
life-history of the insect. It occurs in southern Texas occasionally,
but is quite common in Mexico and more southern countries.
SUBFAMILY HESPERIINÆ (THE HESPERIDS)
"Twine ye in an airy round,
Brush the dew and print the lea;
Skip and gambol, hop and bound."
DRAKE, _The Culprit Fay_.
This subfamily falls into two groups:
_Group A._--In this group the cell of the fore wing is always more than
two thirds the length of the costa; the lower radial vein lies
approximately equidistant between the third median nervule and the upper
radial. The hind wing is frequently produced at the extremity of the
submedian vein into a long tail or tooth-like projection. The fore wing
is usually furnished in the male sex with a costal fold, but is never
marked with a discal stigma, or bunch of raised scales. The antennæ
always terminate in a fine point and are usually bent into a hook. The
butterflies when at rest, for the most part, hold their wings erect,
though some of them hold them extended horizontally.
_Group B._--In this group the cell of the fore wing is less than two
thirds the length of the costa, and the lower radial is always emitted
from the end of the cell near the upper angle, much nearer to the upper
radial than to the third median. The hind wings are often somewhat lobed
at the anal angle, but never produced as in the first group. The antennæ
are very seldom hooked.
Genus EUDAMUS, Swainson
_Butterfly._--The antennæ terminate in a fine point bent into a hook at
the thickest part of the club. The cell of the fore wing is very long.
The discocellulars are inwardly oblique and on the same straight line,
the upper discocellulars being reduced to a mere point. The lower radial
is equidistant between the upper radial and the third median nervule.
The hind wing is without the lower radial and is always produced into a
long tail.
_Egg._--The egg is more nearly globular than is true in most of the
genera, but is strongly flattened at the base and is marked with a
number of transverse longitudinal ridges, somewhat widely separated,
between which are finer cross-lines. The micropyle at the summit is
deeply depressed.
_Caterpillar._--The caterpillar is cylindrical, tapering rapidly from
the middle forward and backward. The head is much larger than the neck
and is distinctly bilobed.
_Chrysalis._--The chrysalis is provided with a somewhat hooked
cremaster, is rounded at the head, humped over the thorax, and marked on
the dorsal side of the abdominal segments with a few small conical
projections. The chrysalis is formed between leaves loosely drawn
together with a few strands of silk.
This genus is confined to the tropics of the New World, and is
represented in the extreme southern portions of the United States by the
species figured in our plate--_E. proteus_.
(1) =Eudamus proteus=, Linnæus, Plate XLV, Fig. 6, ♀; Plate II, Fig. 34,
_larva_; Plate VI, Fig. 23, _chrysalis_ (The Long-tailed Skipper).
[Illustration FIG. 152.--Neuration of the genus _Eudamus_.]
_Butterfly._--The upper side of the wings is brown, glossed with green
at the base of both wings. The spots on the primaries of both sexes are
alike, and are well represented in the plate. On the under side the
wings are pale brown; the primaries are marked as on the upper side; the
secondaries have the anal portion and the tail dark brown; in addition
they are crossed by a short dark band at the end of the cell, and
another similar but longer postmedian band, which does not quite reach
the costa and loses itself below in the dark shade which covers the anal
portion of the wing. About the middle of the costa of the hind wings are
two small subquadrate black spots. Expanse, 1.60-1.75 inch.
_Early Stages._--The plates give us representations based upon Abbot's
drawings of the mature caterpillar and the chrysalis. The student who
desires to know more may consult the pages of Scudder's "Butterflies of
New England." The caterpillar feeds upon leguminous plants, especially
upon the _Wistaria_ and various species of _Clitoria_ (Butterfly-pea).
It makes a rude nest for itself by drawing two of the leaves together
with strands of silk.
The species is tropical and is found all over the tropics and
subtropical regions of the New World, but ranges northward along the
Atlantic sea-coast, being occasionally found as far north as New York
City, where it has been taken in Central Park.
Genus PLESTIA, Mabille
_Butterfly._--The club of the antennæ is flattened, sickle-shaped,
terminating in a fine point. The male has a costal fold upon the fore
wing. The lower radial is nearer to the upper radial than to the third
median nervule. The hind wing is produced into a short tail. The fifth
vein is wanting.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
This genus is peculiar to Mexico and Central America. But one species is
found within our limits, and is confined to Arizona.
(1) =Plestia dorus=, Edwards, Plate XLV, Fig. 11, ♂ (The Short-tailed
Arizona Skipper).
[Illustration FIG. 153.--Genus _Plestia_. Antenna, magnified 2
diameters. Neuration.]
_Butterfly._--The upper side is accurately depicted in the plate. On the
under side the wings are hoary. The spots of the upper side reappear,
the lower spots of the primaries being partially lost in the broad
honey-yellow tint which covers the inner margin of that wing. The
secondaries are crossed by obscure dark-brown basal, median, and
postmedian bands, portions of which are annular, or composed of
ring-like spots. The anal angle is clouded with dark brown. Expanse,
1.50-1.60 inch.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
The species has been taken in considerable numbers in Arizona, and
ranges thence southward into Mexico.
Genus EPARGYREUS, Hübner
_Butterfly._--The antennæ have the club stout, gradually thickened,
tapering to a fine point, and abruptly bent into a hook.
+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| |
| EXPLANATION OF PLATE XLIV |
| |
| 1. _Papilio ajax_, Linnæus, var. |
| _telamonides_, Felder, ♂. |
| 2. _Papilio ajax_, Linnæus, var. |
| _floridensis_, Holland, ♂ (This is the dark |
| form found in Florida in the early spring.) |
| 3. _Papilio ajax_, Linnæus, var. |
| _marcellus_, Boisduval, ♂. |
| 4. _Papilio ajax_, Linnæus, var. |
| _walshi_, ♂. |
| 5. _Papilio eurymedon_, Boisduval, ♂. |
| |
| [Illustration PLATE XLIV.] |
+--------------------------------------------------------------+
The palpi are profusely covered with thick scales, in which the third
joint is almost entirely concealed. The fore wing of the male is
furnished with a costal fold; the hind wing is prominently toothed at
the extremity of the submedian vein.
_Egg._--The egg is elevated, hemispherical; that is to say, it is
flattened at the base, rounded above, its height being almost equal to
the width. It is marked by about ten narrow, greatly elevated
longitudinal ridges, which sometimes fork below the summit, and between
which are a multitude of fine cross-lines. The micropyle is greatly
depressed.
_Caterpillar._--The caterpillar closely resembles the caterpillar of the
genus _Eudamus_, but the head is not as strongly bilobed.
_Chrysalis._--The chrysalis likewise resembles the chrysalis of the
genus _Eudamus_; the cremaster, however, is not as strongly hooked as in
that genus.
[Illustration FIG. 154.--Neuration of the genus _Epargyreus_.]
(1) =Epargyreus tityrus=, Fabricius, Plate XLIII, Fig. 5, ♂; Plate II,
Figs. 30, 31, 33, _larva_; Plate VI, Figs. 22, 25, 26, _chrysalis_ (The
Silver-spotted Skipper).
_Butterfly._-This very common and beautiful insect may easily be
recognized from the figure in the plate. The broad, irregular silvery
spot on the under side of the hind wings distinguishes it at a glance
from all other related species in our fauna. Expanse, 1.75-2.00 inches.
_Early Stages._-These have been accurately described by several authors,
and a very full account of them is contained in "The Butterflies of New
England." The caterpillar feeds upon leguminous plants, and is
especially common upon the _Wistaria_, which is grown about verandas,
and on the common locust (_Robinia pseudacacia_). The caterpillar makes
a nest for itself in the same manner as _Eudamus proteus_. Pupation
generally takes place among fallen leaves or rubbish at the foot of the
trees upon which the caterpillar has fed.
This butterfly has a wide range, extending to the Gulf, south of a line
passing from Quebec to Vancouver, and ranging still farther south as far
as the Isthmus of Panama. It is single-brooded in the North, and double-
or triple-brooded in the South.
Genus THORYBES, Scudder
(The Dusky-wings)
_Butterfly._--The club of the antennæ is not very heavy, hooked, the
hooked portion about as long as the rest of the club. The palpi are
directed forward, with the second joint heavily scaled, and the third
joint very small. The fore wing may be with or without the costal fold
in the male sex. The cut gives a correct idea of the neuration. The hind
wing is evenly rounded on the outer margin, sometimes slightly angled at
the extremity of the submedian vein.
[Illustration FIG. 155.--Neuration of the genus _Thorybes_.]
_Egg._--The egg is subglobular, somewhat flattened at the base and on
top, marked with numerous fine and not much elevated longitudinal
ridges. The micropyle covers the upper surface of the egg and is not
depressed.
_Caterpillar._--The caterpillar somewhat resembles that of the genus
_Epargvreus_, but is relatively shorter, the head proportionately larger
and more globular. The neck is greatly strangulated.
_Chrysalis._--The chrysalis is somewhat curved in outline, with a
strongly hooked cremaster and a prominent projection on the back of the
thoracic region.
(1) =Thorybes pylades=, Scudder, Plate XLVIII, Fig. 6, ♀; Plate II, Figs.
25, 29, _larva_; Plate VI, Fig. 28, _chrysalis_ (The Northern
Dusky-wing).
_Butterfly._--The upper side is represented correctly in Plate XLVIII.
On the under side the wings are dark brown, shading into hoary-gray on
the outer margins. The hind wings are crossed by irregular basal,
median, and postmedian brown bands of darker spots, shaded with deeper
brown internally. The translucent spots of the upper side reappear on
the lower side of the fore wings. Expanse, 1.60 inch.
_Early Stages._--These are elaborately described in the pages of Dr.
Scudder's great work. The caterpillar feeds on clover, _Lespedeza_, and
_Desmodium_.
This insect is found throughout the United States and Canada, but is not
as yet reported from the central masses of the Rocky Mountain region.
It probably, however, occurs there also in suitable locations. It is
very common in New England.
(2) =Thorybes bathyllus=, Smith and Abbot, Plate XLVIII, Fig. 5, ♀; Plate
II, Fig. 32, _larva_; Plate VI, Fig. 24, _chrysalis_ (The Southern
Dusky-wing).
_Butterfly._--Easily distinguished from the preceding species by the
much larger size of the translucent spots on the fore wings. Expanse,
1.40-1.50 inch.
_Early Stages._--The habits of the larva are very similar to those of
the preceding species, and the caterpillar feeds on herbaceous
leguminosæ.
It ranges from the Connecticut Valley, where it is rare, southward along
the coast and through the Mississippi Valley as far south and west as
Texas.
(3) =Thorybes æmilia=, Skinner, Plate XLVI, Fig. 39, ♂ (Mrs. Owen's
Dusky-wing).
_Butterfly._--This little species, which may readily be identified by
the figure of the type given in the plate, is as yet quite rare in
collections. We know nothing of the early stages. The types were taken
at Fort Klamath, in Oregon. Dr. Skinner named it in honor of the
estimable wife of Professor Owen of the University of Wisconsin, the
discoverer of the species. Expanse, 1.20 inch.
(4) =Thorybes epigena=, Butler, Plate XLVIII, Fig. 13, ♂ (Butler's
Dusky-wing).
_Butterfly._--Readily distinguished by its large size, the conspicuous
white fringes of the hind wings on the upper side, and the broad white
marginal band of these wings on the under side. Expanse, 2.00 inches.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
This insect is common in Arizona and Mexico.
Genus ACHALARUS, Scudder
_Butterfly._--The antennæ and palpi are as in the preceding genus. The
neuration is represented in the cut. The hind wing is slightly lobed at
the anal angle; the fore wing may or may not be provided with a costal
fold.
(1) =Achalarus lycidas=, Smith and Abbot, Plate XLV, Fig. 10, ♀, _under
side_; Plate II, Fig. 23, _larva_; Plate VI, Fig. 21, chrysalis (The
Hoary-edge).
_Butterfly._--The general appearance of the upper side of the wings
strongly recalls _E. tityrus_, but the hoary edge of the secondaries and
the absence of the broad median silvery spot found in _tityrus_ at once
serve to discriminate the two forms. Expanse, 1.65-1.95 inch.
_Early Stages._--What is known of them may be ascertained by consulting
the pages of "The Butterflies of New England." The caterpillar is found
on the leaves of _Desmodium_ (Beggar's-lice).
The insect is rare in southern New England, and ranges thence southward
and westward to Texas, being scarce in the Mississippi Valley north of
Kentucky, and apparently not ranging west of Missouri.
[Illustration FIG. 156.--Neuration of the genus _Achalarus_.]
(2) =Achalarus cellus=, Boisduval and Leconte, Plate XLV, Fig. 12, ♂ (The
Golden-banded Skipper).
_Butterfly._--The figure in the plate will enable the instant
identification of this beautiful species, which, on the under side, has
the hind wings banded much as in _E. proteus_. Expanse, 2.00 inches.
_Early Stages._--What little we know of these is based mainly upon the
observations of Abbot, and there is an opportunity here for some young
naturalist to render a good service to science by rearing the insect
through all stages from the egg. The habits of the larva are not greatly
different from those of allied species.
_A. cellus_ is found in the Virginias, and thence southward and westward
to Arizona and Mexico. It is common in the Carolinas.
Genus HESPERIA, Fabricius
_Butterfly._--The antennæ are relatively short; the club is stout and
blunt at the tip. The palpi are bent upward, with the third joint buried
in the scales covering the second joint. The hind wing is usually evenly
rounded. In all the American species the male is provided with a costal
fold. The neuration is represented in the cut.
_Egg._--Hemispherical, ribbed.
_Caterpillar._--The caterpillar is much like those which have been
previously described, but is relatively much smaller.
_Chrysalis._--The chrysalis has a somewhat blunt and not very distinctly
developed cremaster.
(1) =Hesperia domicella=, Erichson, Plate XLVII, Fig. 19, ♂ (Erichson's
Skipper).
_Butterfly._--Allied to the following species, from which it is easily
discriminated by the broad, solid white bands on both the fore and the
hind wings. Expanse, 1.25 inch.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
_H. domicella_ is found in Arizona, Mexico, and southward.
[Illustration FIG. 157.--Genus _Hesperia_. Neuration. Antenna,
magnified 3 diameters.]
(2) =Hesperia montivaga=, Reakirt, Plate XLVII, Fig. 18, ♂; Plate VI,
Fig. 35, _chrysalis_ (The Checkered Skipper).
_Butterfly._--The upper side is correctly delineated in the plate. The
under side of the fore wings is much paler than the upper side, but with
all the spots and markings of that side reproduced. The hind wings are
creamy-white, crossed by median, postmedian, and marginal irregular
bands of ochreous, somewhat annular spots. There is a triangular black
spot at the anal angle of the secondaries. Expanse, 1.15 inch.
_Early Stages._--We know little of these. The caterpillar probably feeds
on malvaceous plants, as do most of the species of the genus.
The insect ranges from the Middle States to Arizona, and westward to the
Rocky Mountains.
(3) =Hesperia centaureæ=, Rambur, Plate XLVII, Fig. 13, ♂ (The Grizzled
Skipper).
_Butterfly._--The upper side may easily be recognized by the help of the
figure in the plate. On the under side the wings are darker than in the
preceding species; the spots of the primaries reappear on this side, the
submarginal curved row of spots coalescing to form a narrow white band,
the white spot at the end of the cell flowing around the dark spot,
which it only partly incloses on the upper side, and forming an eye-like
spot. The hind wings are brown, scaled with green, and crossed by basal,
median, and marginal bands of quadrate spots. The fringes are whitish,
checkered with gray. Expanse, 1.15 inch.
_Early Stages._--These await description.
This species, which originally was believed to be confined to
Scandinavia and Lapland in Europe, and to eastern Labrador in this
country, is now known to have a wide range in North America, extending
from Labrador to the Carolinas on the Appalachian ranges, and occurring
on the Rocky Mountains from British Columbia to southern Colorado.
(4) =Hesperia cæspitalis=, Boisduval, Plate XLVII, Fig. 14, ♀ (The
Two-banded Skipper).
_Butterfly._--On the upper side strongly resembling the preceding
species, but the inner row of white spots on the hind wings is more
complete. On the under side the fore wings are black, crossed by a
double row of white spots, as on the upper side, these spots standing
out conspicuously on the dark ground. The hind wings on the under side
are more or less ferruginous, with the white spots more or less
conspicuous. The fringes are checkered white and gray. Expanse, 1.00
inch.
_Early Stages._--But little is known concerning these.
The species occurs in California, Oregon, and Nevada.
(5) =Hesperia xanthus=, Edwards, Plate XLVII, Fig. 15, ♂ (The Xanthus
Skipper).
_Butterfly._--Resembling the preceding species, but easily distinguished
by the larger size of all the spots on the upper side of the wing and
the paler under side, the secondaries being marked somewhat as in _H.
montivaga_. Expanse, 1.00 inch.
_Early Stages._--Hitherto undescribed.
The species has thus far been received only from southern Colorado, but
undoubtedly will be found elsewhere in that portion of the land.
(6) =Hesperia scriptura=, Boisduval, Plate XLVII, Fig. 12, ♀ (The Small
Checkered Skipper).
_Butterfly._--Quite small. The hind wings on the upper side are almost
entirely dark gray, the only white mark being a spot or two at the end
of the cell. The fore wings are marked on this side as in the two
foregoing species. On the under side the fore wings are blackish toward
the base, with the costa, the apex, and the outer margin narrowly
whitish. The hind wings below are pale, with an incomplete median band
of white spots and broad white fringes, which are not checkered with
darker color as in the preceding species. Expanse, .85 inch.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
The habitat of this species is southern Colorado, New Mexico, and
Arizona.
(7) =Hesperia nessus=, Edwards, Plate XLVII, Fig. 17, ♂ (Nessus).
_Butterfly._--This singularly marked little species, which probably
might be separated from this genus on account of the slender and
prolonged palpi, and no doubt would be by some of the hair-splitting
makers of genera, I am content to leave where it has been placed by
recent writers. It can be readily recognized by the figure in the plate,
as there is nothing else like it in our fauna. Expanse, .80 inch.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
_Nessus_ occurs in Texas and Arizona.
There are a few other species of this genus found within the limits of
the United States, but enough have been represented to give a clear
conception of the characteristics of the group, which is widely
distributed throughout the world.
Genus SYSTASEA, Butler
_Butterfly._--The palpi are porrect, the third joint projecting forward,
the second joint densely scaled below. The antennæ are slender, the club
moderately stout, somewhat bluntly pointed, bent, not hooked. The hind
wings are somewhat crenulate, and deeply excised opposite the end of the
cell. The fifth vein is lacking. In the fore wing the lower radial
arises from a point nearer the upper radial than the third median
nervule. The fore wings are crossed about the middle by translucent
spots or bands.
_Early Stages._--The early stages are unknown.
[Illustration FIG. 158.--Neuration of the genus _Systasea_.]
(1) =Systasea zampa=, Edwards, Plate XLVI, Fig. 1, ♂ (Zampa).
_Butterfly._--The wings on the upper side are ochreous, mottled and
clouded with dark brown. The primaries are marked about the middle and
before the apex by translucent transverse linear spots. In addition
there are a number of pale opaque spots on the primaries. The
secondaries are traversed by a pale submarginal whitish line. The under
side of the wings is pale, with the light markings of the upper side
indistinctly separated. Expanse, 1.10-1.25 inch.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
This interesting little species occurs in Arizona and northern Mexico.
Genus PHOLISORA, Scudder
_Butterfly._--The palpi are porrect, the second joint loosely scaled,
the third joint slender and conspicuous. The antennæ have the club
gradually thickened, the tip blunt. The fore wing is relatively narrow,
provided with a costal fold in the case of the male. The cut gives a
correct idea of the neuration.
[Illustration FIG. 159.--Neuration of the genus _Pholisora_.]
_Egg._--The egg is curiously formed, much flattened at the base, marked
on the side with longitudinal ridges and cross-lines, these ridges
developing alternately at their apical extremities into thickened, more
or less rugose elevations, the ridges pointing inwardly and surrounding
the deeply depressed micropyle.
_Caterpillar._--Slender, with the head broad, rounded; the body stout,
thickest in the middle, tapering toward either end, and somewhat
flattened below.
_Chrysalis._--The chrysalis is slender, very slightly convex on the
ventral side, somewhat concave on the dorsal side behind the thorax. The
wing-cases are relatively smaller than in the preceding genera.
(1) =Pholisora catullus=, Fabricius, Plate XLV, Fig. 4, ♂; Plate VI,
Figs. 29, 36, 41, _chrysalis_ (The Sooty-wing).
_Butterfly._--Black on both sides of the wings, with a faint marginal
series and a conspicuous submarginal series of light spots on the
primaries in the male sex on the upper side, and, in addition to these,
in the female sex, a faint marginal series on the secondaries. On the
under side only the upper spots of the submarginal series of the
primaries reappear. Expanse, .80-1.15 inch.
_Early Stages._--The caterpillar feeds on "lamb's-quarter" (_Chenopodium
album_) and the _Amarantaceæ_. It forms a case for itself by folding the
leaf along the midrib and stitching the edges together with a few
threads of silk. It lies concealed during the day and feeds at night. A
minute account of all its peculiarities is given by Scudder in "The
Butterflies of New England," vol. ii, p. 1519.
+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| |
| EXPLANATION OF PLATE XLV |
| |
| 1. _Papilio rutulus_, Boisduval, ♂. |
| 2. _Pholisora alpheus_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 3. _Calpodes ethlius_, Cramer, ♀. |
| 4. _Pholisora catullus_, Fabricius, ♂. |
| 5. _Thanaos afranius_, Lintner, ♂. |
| 6. _Eudamus proteus_, Linnæus, ♀. |
| 7. _Thanaos brizo_, Boisd.-Lec., ♀. |
| 8. _Thanaos clitus_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 9. _Pyrrhopyge araxes_, Hewitson, ♂. |
| 10. _Achalarus lycidas_, Smith and Abbot, |
| ♀, _under side_. |
| 11. _Plestia dorus_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 12. _Achalarus cellus_, Boisd.-Lec., ♂. |
| |
| [Illustration PLATE XLV.] |
+--------------------------------------------------------------+
The insect ranges over the whole of temperate North America.
(2) =Pholisora hayhursti=, Edwards, Plate XLVIII, Fig. 16, ♀ (Hayhurst's
Skipper).
_Butterfly._--Easily distinguished from the preceding species by the
somewhat crenulate shape of the outer margin of the hind wings, the
white color of the under side of the abdomen, and the different
arrangement of the white spots on the fore wings, as well as by the dark
bands which cross both the fore and the hind wings on the upper side.
Expanse, .90-1.15 inch.
_Early Stages._--Our information as to these is incomplete.
The species ranges from the latitude of southern Pennsylvania westward
and southward to the Gulf, as far as the Rocky Mountains.
(3) =Pholisora libya=, Scudder, Plate XLVIII, Fig. 14, ♂ (The Mohave
Sooty-wing).
_Butterfly._--Easily distinguished from the two preceding species by the
white fringes of the wings and by the markings of the under side. The
primaries on the lower side are dark, tipped at the apex with light
gray, and in the female having the costa and the outer margin broadly
edged with light gray. The hind wings are pale gray of varying shades,
marked with a number of large circular white spots on the disk and a
marginal series of small white spots. Expanse, ♂, .80-1.25 inch; ♀,
1.15-1.40 inch.
_Early Stages._--These await full description.
This species is found from Nevada to Arizona, and is apparently very
common in the Mohave Desert.
(4) =Pholisora alpheus=, Edwards, Plate XLV, Fig. 2, ♂ (Alpheus).
_Butterfly._--This little species is nearer _P. hayhursti_ than any of
the others we have described, but may at once be recognized and
discriminated by the checkered margins and white tip of the fore wing
and the linear shape of the spots composing the submarginal and median
bands on the upper side of this wing. The hind wings on the under side
are marked with a number of light spots arranged in marginal and median
bands.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
_Alpheus_ occurs in Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico.
There are four other species of the genus found in our fauna.
Genus THANAOS, Boisduval
(The Dusky-wings)
_Butterfly._--The antennæ have a moderately large club, curved, bluntly
pointed. The palpi are porrect, the third joint almost concealed in the
dense hairy vestiture of the second joint. The neuration of the wings is
represented in the cut. The fore wing in the case of the male always has
a costal fold. The butterflies comprised in this genus are all, without
exception, dark in color, in a few species having bright spots upon the
hind wings.
The genus reaches its largest development in North America. The
discrimination of the various species is somewhat difficult.
[Illustration FIG. 160.--Neuration of the genus _Thanaos_.]
_Egg._--The egg is somewhat like the egg in the genus _Achalarus_, but
the micropyle at the upper end of the egg is relatively larger and not
as deeply depressed below the surface. The sides are ornamented, as in
_Achalarus_, by raised vertical ridges, between which are numerous
cross-ridges; in a few cases the vertical ridges are beaded, or marked
by a series of minute globose prominences, upon the edge.
_Caterpillar._--The caterpillars are cylindrical, tapering from the
middle forward and backward, marked with lateral and dorsal stripes,
with the neck less strangulated than in the preceding genera.
_Chrysalis._--Not greatly differing in outline from the chrysalis of the
preceding genera, in most species having the outline of the dorsum
straight on the abdominal segments, with the thoracic segments forming a
slight hump or elevation; convex on the ventral side, the cremaster
being usually well developed.
(1) =Thanaos brizo=, Boisduval and Leconte, Plate XLV, Fig. 7, ♀; Plate
VI, Fig. 38, _chrysalis_ (The Sleepy Dusky-wing).
_Butterfly._--The band of postmedian spots on the fore wing is composed
of annular dark markings, is regular, crosses the wing from the costa to
the hind margin, and is reproduced on the under side as a series of
pale-yellowish spots more or less distinct. The hind wings have a double
series of faint yellow spots; these as well as the marginal spots of the
primaries are very distinct on the under side. Expanse, 1.25-1.60 inch.
_Early Stages._--The caterpillar feeds on oaks, _Galactia_, and possibly
_Baptisia_. The life-history has been only partially ascertained, in
spite of the fact that the insect has a wide range and is not uncommon.
_Brizo_ occurs from the Atlantic to the Pacific, ranging from the
latitude of New England to that of Arizona.
(2) =Thanaos icelus=, Lintner, Plate XLVIII, Fig. 17, ♂; Plate VI, Fig.
27, _chrysalis_ (The Dreamy Dusky-wing).
_Butterfly._--Prevalently smaller in size than the preceding species.
The under side of the wings is paler than the upper side, and the outer
third of both the primaries and secondaries is marked with a profusion
of small indistinct yellow spots, which do not form well-defined bands
as in the preceding species. On the upper side of the fore wing the
median area is generally marked by a broad band of pale gray, but this
is not invariably the case. Expanse, 1.00-1.20 inch.
_Early Stages._--These have been described by Scudder. The caterpillar
feeds on a variety of plants, as the aspen, oaks, and witch-hazel.
_Icelus_ ranges across the continent from Nova Scotia to Oregon, and
south to Florida and Arizona.
(3) =Thanaos somnus=, Lintner, Plate XLVIII, Fig. 2, ♂ (The Dark
Dusky-wing).
_Butterfly._--A little larger than the preceding species, especially in
the female sex. The male is generally quite dark, the banding of the
fore wing on the upper side obscured. The hind wings have a row of light
marginal and submarginal spots, more distinct on the under side than on
the upper. The female generally is light gray on the upper side of the
wings, with broad median and submarginal bands of dark brown, tending to
fuse or coalesce at a point near the origin of the first median nervule.
Expanse, ♂, 1.25 inch; ♀, 1.50 inch.
_Early Stages._--But little is known of these.
All of the specimens I have ever seen came from southern Florida.
(4) =Thanaos lucilius=, Lintner, Plate XLVIII, Fig. 10, ♂; Plate VI,
Figs. 30-32, _chrysalis_ (Lucilius' Dusky-wing).
_Butterfly._--This species may be distinguished from _T. pacuvius_, a
near ally, by the more mottled surface of the secondaries, which in
_pacuvius_ are almost solidly black; and from _T. martialis_, another
close ally, by the absence of the purplish-gray cast peculiar to both
sides of the wings of the latter species, and the less regular
arrangement of the bands of spots on the upper side of the fore wings.
The plate does not show these delicate but constant marks of difference
as well as might be desired. Expanse, 1.20-1.40 inch.
_Early Stages._--Dr. Scudder has fully described these. The caterpillar
feeds on the columbine (_Aquilegia canadensis_).
_Lucilius_ ranges from New England to Georgia, is common in western
Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and extends westward at least as far as
the Rocky Mountains.
(5) =Thanaos persius=, Scudder, Plate XLVIII, Fig. 1, ♂; Plate VI, Fig.
34, _chrysalis_ (Persius' Dusky-wing).
_Butterfly._--This is a very variable species, some specimens being
light and others dark in color. There is scarcely any positive clue to
the specific identity of the insect except that which is derived from
the study of the genital armature of the male, which is a microscopic
research capable of being performed only by an expert in such matters.
The student may be pardoned if, in attempting to classify the species of
this genus, and the present species in particular, he should grow weary,
and quote a few biblical expressions relating to Beelzebub, the "god of
flies." Expanse, 1.20-1.45 inch.
_Early Stages._--The caterpillar feeds on willows. Scudder has with
patient care described its life-history.
The insect ranges from New England southward, and inland across the
continent to the Pacific.
(6) =Thanaos afranius=, Lintner, Plate XLV, Fig. 5, ♂ (Afranius'
Dusky-wing).
_Butterfly._--Closely related to the preceding species. The hind wings
on the upper side in the male sex are almost solid black, the fringes
paler. On the under side there is a double row of light spots along the
margin of the hind wing in both sexes. The female is generally paler in
color on the upper side than the male.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
All the specimens I have seen come from Arizona, where the thing is
apparently common.
(7) =Thanaos martialis=, Scudder, Plate XLVIII, Fig. 4, ♂; Plate VI, Fig.
37, _chrysalis_ (Martial's Dusky-wing).
_Butterfly._--The upper side of the wings is paler than in most species,
and has a distinctly purplish-gray cast. The fore wings are crossed by
irregular bands of dark spots. The hind wings on the outer half are
profusely mottled with small pale spots. All the light spots are
repeated on the under side of both wings, and are more distinct on this
side than on the upper. Expanse, 1.25-1.40 inch.
_Early Stages._--These are partly known. The caterpillar feeds on
_Indigofera_ and _Amarantus_.
The species ranges from Massachusetts to Georgia, and westward to
Missouri and New Mexico.
(8) =Thanaos juvenalis=, Fabricius, Plate XLVIII, Fig. 11, ♀; Plate VI,
Fig. 33, _chrysalis_ (Juvenal's Dusky-wing).
_Butterfly._--Larger than the preceding species. The wings have a number
of translucent spots arranged as a transverse series beyond the middle
of the wing. They are far more distinct and larger in the female than in
the male. The under side of the wings is paler than the upper side, and
profusely but indistinctly marked with light spots. Expanse, 1.35-1.60
inch.
_Early Stages._--For a full knowledge of these the reader may consult
the pages of "The Butterflies of New England." The caterpillar feeds on
oaks and leguminous plants of various species.
This insect ranges from Quebec to Florida, and westward as far as
Arizona, where it appears to be common.
(9) =Thanaos petronius=, Lintner, Plate XLVIII, Fig. 7, ♂ (Petronius'
Dusky-wing).
_Butterfly._--Allied in size to the preceding species, but the
translucent spots of the transverse band are not, as in that species,
continued toward the inner margin, but terminate at the first median
nervule. The outer third of the primaries is pale, the inner two thirds
very dark. The under side of the wings of the male is uniformly dusky,
slightly, if at all, marked with lighter spots. The under side of the
wings of the female is less distinctly marked with light spots than is
the case in allied species. Expanse, 1.50-1.75 inch.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
The species has thus far been found only in Florida.
(10) =Thanaos horatius=, Scudder, Plate XLVIII, Fig. 15, ♂ (Horace's
Dusky-wing).
_Butterfly._--Smaller than _T. juvenalis_, which it resembles in the
long transverse series of translucent spots. It is, however, paler on
the upper side of the wings, and more profusely mottled on the hind wing
both above and below, though there is considerable variation in this
regard. Expanse, 1.65 inch.
_Early Stages._--The caterpillar probably feeds on the _Leguminosæ._ We
know very little about the life-history of the species.
The butterfly ranges from Massachusetts to Texas.
(11) =Thanaos nævius=, Lintner, Plate XLVIII, Fig. 3, ♀ (Nævius'
Dusky-wing).
_Butterfly._--This insect is closely allied to _T. petronius_, but the
translucent spots on the fore wing are smaller, and there is generally a
light spot near the costa before the three subapical translucent spots.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
The habitat of this species is the region of the Indian River, in
Florida.
(12) =Thanaos pacuvius=, Lintner, Plate XLVIII, Fig. 9, ♀ (Pacuvius'
Dusky-wing).
_Butterfly._--Small, with the fore wings on the upper side rather
regularly banded with dark brown upon a lighter ground. The hind wings
are almost solid black above, with the fringes toward the anal angle
pure white. Expanse, 1.15-1.30 inch.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
This species occurs in Colorado, Mexico, and Arizona.
(13) =Thanaos clitus=, Edwards, Plate XLV, Fig. 8, ♀ (Clitus).
_Butterfly._--Larger than the preceding species. The hind wings are
solidly deep black, fringed broadly with pure white. The fore wings of
the male are dark, of the female lighter. Expanse, 1.60-1.75 inch.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
The habitat of this species is Arizona and New Mexico.
(14) =Thanaos funeralis=, Lintner, Plate XLVIII, Fig. 12, ♂ (The Funereal
Dusky-wing).
_Butterfly._--Closely allied to the preceding species, of which it may
be only a smaller varietal form. Expanse, 1.35 inch.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
_Funeralis_ occurs in western Texas and Arizona.
The genus _Thanaos_ is one of the most difficult genera to work out in
the present state of our knowledge of the subject. The species are not
only obscurely marked, but they vary in the most extraordinary manner.
Except by a microscopic examination of the genital armature, which can
be carried on only when the student possesses considerable anatomical
knowledge and an abundance of material, there is no way of reaching a
satisfactory determination in many cases.
COLLECTIONS AND COLLECTORS
In almost every community there is to be found some one who is
interested in insects, and who has formed a collection. The commonest
form of a collection is exceedingly primitive and unscientific, in which
a few local species are pinned together in a glass-covered box or
receptacle, which is then framed and hung upon the wall. Almost every
village bar-room contains some such monstrous assemblage of insects,
skewered on pins, in more or less frightful attitudes. As evidencing an
innate interest in the beauties of natural objects, these things are
interesting, but show a want of information which, as has been already
pointed out, is largely due to a lack of literature relating to the
subject in this country. In many of the schools of the land small
collections, arranged more scientifically, have been made, and some of
the collections contained in the high schools of our larger towns and
cities are creditable to the zeal of teachers and of pupils. There is no
reason why every school of importance should not, in the lapse of time,
secure large and accurately named collections, not only of the insects,
but of the other animals, as well as the plants and minerals of the
region in which it is located. Every high school should have a room set
apart for the use of those students who are interested in the study of
natural history, and they ought to be encouraged to bring together
collections which should be properly arranged and preserved. The expense
is not great, and the practical value of the training which such studies
impart to the minds of young people is inestimable.
The great systematic collections in entomology in the United States are
for the most part in the hands of the museums and universities of the
country. The entomological collections of the United States government
at Washington are large and rich in interesting material. The
collections possessed by Harvard College and the Boston Society of
Natural History are extensive; so are also the collections of the
American Museum of Natural History, the Academy of Natural Sciences in
Philadelphia, and those of the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh. The
collection in the latter institution is altogether the largest and most
perfect collection of the butterflies of North America in existence, and
covers also very largely the butterflies of the world, there being about
twelve thousand species of butterflies represented, including
representatives of all known genera.
The formation of great collections has always had a charm for those who
have possessed the knowledge, the time, and the means to form them; and
the ranks of those who are engaged in the study of butterflies include
many of the most famous naturalists, among them not a few of noble rank.
One of the most enthusiastic collectors in Europe at the present time is
the Grand Duke Nicholas of Russia. The Nestor among German collectors is
Dr. Staudinger of Dresden. In France M. Charles Oberthür of Rennes is
the possessor of the largest and most perfect collection on French soil.
In England there are a number of magnificent collections, aside from the
great collection contained in the British Natural History Museum. These
are in the possession of Lord Walsingham, the Hon. Walter Rothschild,
Mr. F.D. Godman, Mr. Herbert Druce, Mr. H.J. Elwes, and others, all of
whom hold high rank in the domain of scientific research.
There are many men who make the collecting of natural-history specimens
a business. They are among the most intrepid and indefatigable explorers
of the present time. The late Henry W. Bates and Mr. Alfred Russel
Wallace were in early life leaders in this work, and we are indebted to
their researches for a knowledge of thousands of species. Two of the
most successful collectors who have followed in their footsteps are Mr.
Herbert H. Smith and Mr. William Doherty, both of them Americans; Mr.
Smith one of the most enthusiastic and successful explorers in South and
Central America, Mr. Doherty the most diligent explorer of the
Indo-Malayan Region. The story of the travels and adventures of these
two men is a tale full of romantic interest, which, alas! has been by
neither of them fully told.
+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| |
| EXPLANATION OF PLATE XLVI |
| |
| 1. _Systasea zampa_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 2. _Erynnis manitoba_, Scudder, ♂. |
| 3. _Erynnis manitoba_, Scudder, ♀. |
| 4. _Atalopedes huron_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 5. _Atalopedes huron_, Edwards, ♀. |
| 6. _Atrytone vitellius_, Smith and Abbot, ♂. |
| 7. _Atrytone melane_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 8. _Atrytone melane_, Edwards, ♀. |
| 9. _Lerema hianna_, Scudder, ♂. |
| 10. _Lerema hianna_, Scudder, ♀. |
| 11. _Erynnis ottoë_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 12. _Erynnis ottoë_, Edwards, ♀. |
| 13. _Erynnis sassacus_, Harris, ♂. |
| 14. _Phycanassa viator_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 15. _Phycanassa viator_, Edwards, ♀. |
| 16. _Limochores pontiac_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 17. _Limochores pontiac_, Edwards, ♀. |
| 18. _Hylephila phylæus_, Drury, ♂. |
| 19. _Hylephila phylæus_, Drury, ♀. |
| 20. _Atrytone byssus_, Edwards, ♀. |
| 21. _Limochores palatka_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 22. _Thymelicus mystic_, Scudder, ♂. |
| 23. _Thymelicus mystic_, Scudder, ♀. |
| 24. _Atrytone delaware_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 25. _Atrytone delaware_, Edwards, ♀. |
| 26. _Erynnis morrisoni_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 27. _Erynnis morrisoni_, Edwards, ♀. |
| 28. _Thymelicus ætna_, Boisduval, ♂. |
| 29. _Thymelicus ætna_, Boisduval, ♀. |
| 30. _Limochores manataaqua_, Scudder, ♀. |
| 31. _Euphyes metacomet_, Harris, ♂. |
| 32. _Euphyes verna_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 33. _Lerodea eufala_, Edwards, ♀. |
| 34. _Prenes ocola_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 35. _Oligoria maculata_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 36. _Lerema carolina_, Skinner, ♂. |
| 37. _Phycanassa aaroni_, Skinner, ♂. |
| 38. _Phycanassa howardi_, Skinner, ♂. |
| 39. _Thorybes æmilia_, Skinner, ♂. |
| 40. _Limochores yehl_, Skinner, ♂. |
| |
| [Illustration PLATE XLVI.] |
+--------------------------------------------------------------+
SUBFAMILY PAMPHILINÆ
"Into the sunshine,
Full of light,
Leaping and flashing
From morn till night."
RUSSELL.
The _Pamphilinæ_ found in our fauna fall into two groups.
_Group A._--The antennæ are not greatly hooked and generally sharply
pointed; the palpi have the third joint short and inconspicuous; the
cell of the fore wing is always less than two thirds the length of the
costa; the lower radial is somewhat nearer to the third median nervule
than to the upper radial. The hind wing is often lobed. The lower radial
in the hind wing is generally lacking. The male never has a costal fold
on the fore wings, and but rarely is provided with a discal stigma.
But three genera belonging to this section of this subfamily are found
in our fauna, namely, the genera _Amblyscirtes_, _Pamphila_, and
_Oarisma_.
_Group B._--The antennæ are sometimes curved, but never hooked, the
palpi having the third joint minute, sometimes horizontally porrected.
The cell of the fore wing is less than two thirds the length of the
costa. The lower radial arises much nearer to the third median nervule
than to the upper radial. The hind wing is elongated, but never tailed.
The male is never provided on the fore wing with a costal fold, but is
in many genera furnished with a discal stigma on the fore wing. When in
a state of rest the majority of the species elevate their fore wings and
depress their hind wings, an attitude which is peculiar to the insects
of this group.
Genus AMBLYSCIRTES, Scudder
_Butterfly._--The antennæ are short, with a moderately thick club,
crooked at the end; the third joint of the palpi is bluntly conical,
short, and erect. The costa of the fore wing is straight, slightly
curved inwardly before the apex. The neuration is represented in the
cut.
_Egg._--Hemispherical.
_Caterpillar._--Not differing materially in its characteristics from the
caterpillars of other hesperid genera.
_Chrysalis._--Somewhat slender, with the dorsal and ventral outlines
straighter than in any of the preceding genera, and the dorsum very
slightly elevated in the region of the thoracic segments.
[Illustration FIG. 161.--Neuration of the genus _Amblyscirtes_.]
(1) =Amblyscirtes vialis=, Edwards, Plate XLVII, Fig. 5, ♂; Plate VI,
Fig. 40, _chrysalis_ (The Roadside Skipper).
_Butterfly._--This little species, an exceptionally bright example of
which is represented in the plate, may be known by the dark color of the
upper surface, almost uniformly brown, with a few subapical light spots
at the costa. In the specimen that is figured these light spots are
continued across the wing as a curved band, but this is not usual. The
wings on the under side in both sexes are very much as on the upper
side, save that both wings on the outer third are lightly laved with
gray. Expanse, 1.00 inch.
_Early Stages._--These have been described with minute accuracy by Dr.
Scudder.
The Roadside Skipper ranges from Montreal to Florida, and westward as
far as Nevada and Texas. It is not a common species in the valley of the
Mississippi; it seems to be far more common in southern New England and
in Colorado. At all events, I have obtained more specimens from these
localities than from any others.
(2) =Amblyscirtes samoset=, Scudder, Plate XLVII, Fig. 6, ♂; Plate VI,
Fig. 45, _chrysalis_ (Pepper-and-salt Skipper).
_Butterfly._--This little species on the upper side has the ground-color
as in the preceding species; the fringes on both wings are pale gray.
There are three small subapical spots on the fore wing, three somewhat
larger spots, one on either side of the second median nervule and the
third near the inner margin, and two very minute spots at the end of the
cell. On the under side the wings are pale gray, the white spots of the
upper side of the fore wing reappearing. The hind wing is in addition
marked by a semicircular median band of white spots, a small spot at the
end of the cell, and another conspicuous white spot about the middle of
the costa. Expanse, 1.00-1.10 inch.
_Early Stages._--The caterpillar apparently feeds upon grasses. We know
as yet very little of the life-history of the insect.
It is found in Maine, New Hampshire, along the summits of the
Appalachian mountain-ranges as far south as West Virginia, and is
reported to be common in Wisconsin and Michigan.
(3) =Amblyscirtes ænus=, Edwards, Plate XLVII, Fig. 7, ♀ (The Bronze
Skipper).
_Butterfly._--This obscure little species has the upper side of the
wings somewhat tawny. The markings, which are similar to those in _A.
samoset_, are not white, but yellow. The wings on the under side are
darker than in _samoset._ The spots of the fore wing are the same, but
the spots on the under side of the hind wing are different, and form a
zigzag postmedian transverse band, with a single small spot at the end
of the cell, and another of the same size beyond the middle of the
costa. Expanse, 1.00-1.20 inch.
_Early Stages._--These are unknown.
The species occurs in western Texas and Arizona.
(4) =Amblyscirtes simius=, Edwards, Plate XLVII, Fig. 8, ♂ (Simius).
_Butterfly._--The upper side of the male is correctly figured in the
plate. The wings on the under side are quite pale; the spots of the fore
wing reappear on the under side, and the fore wing is blackish at the
base; the hind wing has the angle at the base broadly white, with a
broad white blotch at the end of the cell, and a semicircular curved
band of obscure spots traversing the middle of the wing. Expanse, ♂, .90
inch; ♀, 1.20 inch.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
The species was originally described from Colorado.
(5) =Amblyscirtes textor=, Edwards, Plate XLVII, Fig. 16, ♂, _under side_
(The Woven-winged Skipper).
_Butterfly._--This little species, the under side of which is accurately
delineated in the plate, needs no description to characterize it, as its
peculiar markings serve at once to distinguish it from all other
species. Expanse, 1.25-1.45 inch.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
This little insect ranges from North Carolina southward to Florida,
Louisiana, and Texas.
Genus PAMPHILA, Fabricius
_Butterfly._--The antennæ are very short, less than half the length of
the costa. The club is stout, elongate, and blunt at its extremity; the
palpi are porrect, densely clothed with scales, concealing the third
joint, which is minute, slender, and bluntly conical. The body is long,
slender, and somewhat produced beyond the hind margin of the
secondaries. The neuration of the wings is represented in the cut.
_Egg._--Hemispherical, vertically ribbed, the interspaces uniformly
marked with little pitted depressions.
_Caterpillar._--The body is cylindrical, slender, tapering forward and
backward; the neck less strangulated than in many of the genera. The
body is somewhat hairy; the spiracles on the sides open from minute
subconical elevations.
_Chrysalis._--Not materially differing in outline and structure from the
chrysalids of other genera which have already been described.
Only a single species belonging to the genus is found in North America.
[Illustration FIG. 162.--Neuration of the genus _Pamphila_.]
(1) =Pamphila mandan=, Edwards, Plate XLXII, Fig. 1, ♂ (The Arctic
Skipper).
_Butterfly._--No description of this interesting little insect is
necessary, as the figure in the plate will enable the student at once to
distinguish it. It is wholly unlike any other species. Expanse, 1.10
inch.
_Early Stages._--These have been described by Dr. Scudder and Mr.
Fletcher. The caterpillar feeds on grasses.
The insect ranges from southern Labrador as far south as the White
Mountains and the Adirondacks, thence westward, following a line north
of the Great Lakes to Vancouver's Island and Alaska. It ranges southward
along the summits of the Western Cordilleras as far as northern
California.
=Genus OARISMA, Scudder=
_Butterfly._--Closely related to the preceding genus. The antennæ are
very short; the club is long, cylindrical, bluntly rounded at the apex,
not curved. The palpi are stout, the apical joint very slender,
elongated, and porrect. The head is broad; the body is long and slender,
projecting somewhat beyond the posterior margin of the secondaries. The
neuration of the wings is represented in the cut.
_Early Stages._--So far as known to me the life-history of no butterfly
of this genus has yet been ascertained.
[Illustration FIG. 163.--Neuration of the genus _Oarisma._]
(1) =Oarisma garita=, Reakirt, Plate XLVII, Fig. 3, ♂ (Garita).
_Butterfly._--This obscure little insect is light fulvous on the upper
side, with the costa of the hind wing somewhat broadly marked with
leaden gray; on the under side the fore wings are brighter fulvous, with
the inner margin laved with dark gray. The hind wings are paler fulvous,
inclining to gray, with the inner margin brighter fulvous. Expanse,
.75-1.00 inch.
_Early Stages._--We know little of these. The species is found in
southern Colorado, ranging thence westward and southward to Arizona.
(2) =Oarisma powesheik=, Parker, Plate XLVII, Fig. 4, ♂ (Powesheik).
_Butterfly._--This species may be distinguished from its ally _garita_
by its larger size, the darker color of the upper side of the wings, and
the red markings on the costa of the fore wings. On the under side the
fore wings are black, edged on the costa and outer margin for a short
distance below the apex with light fulvous. The hind wings are dusky,
with the veins and nervules white, standing forth conspicuously upon the
darker ground-color. Expanse, 1.00-1.25 inch.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
_Powesheik_ occurs in Wisconsin, and ranges thence westward to Nebraska,
northward to Dakota, and southward as far as Colorado.
EXCHANGES
One of the best ways of adding to a collection is by the method known as
exchanging. A collector in one part of the country may find species
which are rare, or altogether unknown, in another part of the country.
By a system of exchanges with other collectors he is able to supply the
gaps which may exist in his collection. No one, however, cares to effect
exchanges with collectors who are careless or slovenly in the
preparation of their specimens, or inaccurate in naming them. A
collector who contemplates making an exchange should, as the first step,
prepare double lists, in one of which he gives the names and the number
of specimens of either sex of the butterflies which he is able to offer
in exchange; in the other he sets forth the things which he desires to
obtain. The first list is said to be a list of "offerta"; the second is
a list of "desiderata." As an illustration of the manner in which such
lists may be conveniently arranged, I give the following:
OFFERTA
Papilio turnus, ♂ 3; ♀ 4.
Dimorphic var. glaucus, ♀ 6.
Colias alexandra, ♂ 4; ♀ 6.
DESIDERATA
Papilio nitra, ♀.
Papilio brevicauda, orange-spotted var.
The collector who receives these lists of offerta and desiderata will be
able to decide what his correspondent has which he desires, and what
there may be in his own collection which the correspondent wishes that
he can offer in exchange; and the process of exchange is thus
immediately facilitated.
Persons who exchange insects with others should always be extremely
careful as to the manner of packing the specimens, and the directions
given in the introductory portion of this book should be very carefully
followed. Too much care cannot be taken in preventing damage to
specimens in transit.
Genus ANCYLOXYPHA, Felder
_Butterfly._--Very small, the antennæ very short, the club straight,
bluntly pointed. The palpi have the third joint long, slender, and
suberect. The neuration of the wings is shown in the cut. The abdomen is
slender, extending beyond the hind margin of the secondaries. The fore
wings are without a discal stigma.
_Egg._--Hemispherical, marked with lozenge-shaped cells; yellow when
laid, later marked with orange-red patches.
_Caterpillar._--The entire life-history has not yet been ascertained.
The caterpillars live upon marsh grasses; they construct for themselves
a nest by drawing together the edges of a blade of grass with bands of
silk. In form they do not differ from other hesperid larvæ.
_Chrysalis._--Not as yet accurately known.
[Illustration FIG. 164.--Neuration of the genus _Ancyloxypha_.]
(1) =Ancyloxypha numitor=, Fabricius, Plate XLVII, Fig. 2, ♂ (Numitor).
_Butterfly._--The upper side is correctly delineated in the plate. On
the under side the fore wings are black, margined on the costa and on
the outer margin with reddish-fulvous. The hind wings are pale fulvous.
Expanse, .75-.95 inch.
_Early Stages._--What has been said in reference to these in connection
with the description of the genus must suffice for the species.
This pretty little insect is widely distributed, and abounds among
grasses about watercourses. It ranges from the province of Quebec to
eastern Florida, thence westward across the Mississippi Valley as far as
the Rocky Mountains.
Genus COPÆODES, Speyer
_Butterfly._--The antennæ are very short; the club is thick, straight,
rounded at the tip; the palpi are as in the preceding genus. The
neuration of the wings is represented in the cut. The abdomen is
slender, extending beyond the hind margin of the secondaries. The male
is provided in most species with a linear stigma.
_Early Stages._--These have not as yet been described.
(1) =Copæodes procris=, Edwards, Plate XLVII, Fig. 9, ♂ (Procris).
_Butterfly._--The plate gives an excellent idea of the upper side of
this diminutive species. On the under side the wings are colored as on
the upper side, save that the fore wings at the base near the inner
margin are blackish, and that the hind wings are a trifle paler than on
the upper side. The sexes do not differ in color. Expanse, .75-1.00
inch.
This pretty little butterfly is a Southern species, is found plentifully
in Texas and Arizona, and occurs also very commonly in southern
California.
[Illustration FIG. 165.--Neuration of the genus _Copæodes_.]
(2) =Copæodes wrighti=, Edwards, Plate XLVII, Fig. 10, ♂ (Wright's
Skipper).
_Butterfly._--This species may be easily distinguished from the
preceding by the dark fringes of both the fore and the hind wing and by
the different arrangement of the discal stigma on the fore wing. On the
under side it is colored very much as _procris_. Expanse, .75-1.10 inch.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
The species is found in the Mohave Desert and southern California.
(3) =Copæodes myrtis=, Edwards, Plate XLVII, Fig. 11, ♂ (Myrtis).
_Butterfly._--This diminutive little species may be readily recognized
by the plate. The fore wings are somewhat broadly margined with dusky at
the apex and along the outer margin; the hind wings on the costa are
broadly and on the outer edge narrowly margined with dusky. On the under
side the fore wings are blackish at the base. Expanse, .75 inch.
The only specimens of this butterfly that I have ever seen came from
Arizona. The type is figured in the plate.
Genus ERYNNIS, Schrank
_Butterfly._--The antennæ are short, less than half the length of the
costa; the club is robust, with a very minute terminal crook; the palpi
have the third joint minute, suberect, and bluntly conical. There is a
discal stigma on the fore wing of the male.
_Egg._--Somewhat spherical.
_Caterpillar._--Feeds upon grasses, and is stouter in form than most
hesperid larvæ, and sluggish in proportion to its stoutness. It does not
make a nest, but conceals itself between the leaves of grass at the
point where they unite with the stem, and is not very difficult to
discover.
_Chrysalis._--The chrysalis is elongated, cylindrical. Our knowledge of
this stage is not very accurate as yet.
[Illustration FIG. 166.--Neuration of the genus _Erynnis_, enlarged.]
(1) =Erynnis manitoba=, Scudder, Plate XLVI, Fig. 2, ♂; Fig. 3, ♀ (The
Canadian Skipper).
_Butterfly_, ♂.--The upper side of the wings is depicted in the plate.
On the under side the wings are paler, the fore wings fulvous on the
cell, pale gray at the apex and on the outer margin. There is a black
shade at the base of the primaries, and a black streak corresponding in
location to the discal stigma on the upper side. The hind wings are pale
ferruginous, except a broad streak along the inner margin, which is
whitish. All the light spots of the upper side of both wings reappear on
the under side, but are more distinctly defined, and are pearly-white in
color.
♀.--The female, on the under side of the fore wing, has the black discal
streak replaced by a broad ferruginous shade. The hind wings are darker,
and the light spots stand forth more conspicuously upon the darker
ground. Expanse, ♂, 1.25 inch; ♀, 1.30 inch.
_Early Stages._--These remain to be ascertained.
The Canadian Skipper is found across the entire continent north of a
line roughly approximating the boundary between the United States and
the Dominion of Canada. Along the Western Cordilleras it descends into
the United States, as far south as Colorado and northern California.
(2) =Erynnis morrisoni=, Edwards, Plate XLVI, Fig. 26, ♂; Fig. 27, ♀
(Morrison's Skipper).
_Butterfly._--The upper side of the wings in both sexes is sufficiently
well delineated in the plate to obviate the necessity for description.
On the under side the fore wings are pale fulvous, black at the base and
ferruginous at the tip, the ferruginous shade interrupted by the
subapical pale spots, which on this side of the wing are pearly-white.
The hind wings are deep ferruginous, obscured on the inner margin by
long pale-brown hairs. From the base to the end of the cell there is a
broad silvery-white ray. Beyond the cell the curved postmedian band of
fulvous spots which appears above reappears as a band of pearly-white,
which stands forth conspicuously on the dark ground. Expanse, ♂, 1.20
inch; ♀, 1.20-1.35 inch.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
The species ranges from southern Colorado to Arizona.
(3) =Erynnis sassacus=, Harris, Plate XLVI, Fig. 13, ♂ (The Indian
Skipper).
_Butterfly._--The upper side of the male is as shown in the plate. The
female is larger, the fulvous ground-color paler, the outer marginal
shades darker, and the discal stigma is replaced by a dark-brown shade.
On the under side in both sexes the wings are pale fulvous, with the
spots of the upper side feebly reproduced as faint lighter spots. The
fore wings in both sexes are black at the base. Expanse, ♂, 1.10-1.25
inch; ♀, 1.25-1.35 inch.
_Early Stages._--The caterpillar, which is plumper than most hesperid
larvæ, feeds on grasses.
The insect ranges from New England to Georgia, and westward to Colorado.
(4) =Erynnis ottoë=, Edwards, Plate XLVI, Fig. 11, ♂; Fig. 12, ♀
(Ottoë).
_Butterfly._--Considerably larger than the preceding species. The wings
of the male on the upper side are pale fulvous, narrowly bordered with
black. The discal stigma is dark and prominent. The female has the wings
on the upper side more broadly but more faintly margined with dusky. The
wings of both sexes on the under side are uniformly pale fulvous or
buff, marked with dark brown or blackish at the base of the fore wings.
Expanse, ♂, 1.35 inch; ♀, 1.45-1.50 inch.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
The habitat of this species is Kansas and Nebraska.
(5) =Erynnis metea=, Scudder, Plate XLVII, Fig. 33, ♂; Fig. 34, ♀ (The
Cobweb Skipper).
_Butterfly._--The upper side of the wings is fairly well represented in
the plate, the male being a little too red, and the wings at the base
and the discal stigma not being dark enough. On the under side the wings
are brown, darker than on the upper side. The pale markings of the upper
side are all repeated below as distinct pearly-white spots, and in
addition on the hind wings near the base there is a curved band of
similar white spots. Expanse, ♂, 1.20 inch; ♀, 1.25-1.30 inch.
_Early Stages._--We know as yet but little of these.
The species occurs in New England, New York, and westward to Wisconsin.
(6) =Erynnis uncas=, Edwards, Plate XLVII, Fig. 27, ♂; Fig. 28, ♀
(Uncas).
_Butterfly._--The upper side of the wings of both sexes is well
represented in the plate. On the under side in both sexes the wings are
beautifully marked with conspicuous pearly-white spots on a
greenish-gray ground. The spots are defined inwardly and outwardly by
dark olive shades and spots. Expanse, ♂, 1.30 inch; ♀, 1.55 inch.
_Early Stages._--We know nothing of these.
The insect ranges from Pennsylvania to Colorado and Montana.
(7) =Erynnis attalus=, Edwards, Plate XLVII, Fig. 23, ♂ (Attalus).
_Butterfly._--The male is fairly well depicted in the plate, but the
light spots are too red. The female is larger and darker. On the under
side the wings are dusky, with the light spots reproduced in faint gray.
Expanse, ♂, 1.25 inch; ♀, 1.45 inch.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
The species occurs very rarely in New England, is found from New Jersey
to Florida and Texas, and ranges westward to Wisconsin and Iowa.
(8) =Erynnis sylvanoides=, Boisduval, Plate XLVII, Fig. 44, ♂ (The
Woodland Skipper).
_Butterfly._--The upper side of the male is well shown in the plate. The
female on the upper side has less fulvous, the wings being prevalently
fuscous, and the red color reduced to a spot at the end of the cell.
There is a median band of fulvous spots on both wings. On the under side
in both sexes the wings are quite pale gray, with the costa near the
base and the cell of the primaries reddish. The primaries at the base
near the inner margin are black. The spots of the upper side reappear,
but are pale and faint. Expanse, 1.25-1.35 inch.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
The species ranges along the Pacific coast from British Columbia to
California, and eastward to Colorado.
(9) =Erynnis leonardus=, Harris, Plate XLVII, Fig. 35, ♂; Fig. 36, ♀
(Leonard's Skipper).
_Butterfly._--Stouter and larger than the preceding species, and
notably darker in coloring. The upper side of the wings is shown in the
plate. On the under side the wings are dark brick-red. The primaries are
blackish on the outer half, interrupted by the spots of the median
series, which on the under side are large, distinct, and shade from pale
fulvous to white toward the inner margin. The secondaries have a round
pale spot at the end of the cell, and a curved median band of similar
spots, corresponding in location to those on the upper side. Expanse, ♂,
1.25 inch; ♀, 1.35 inch.
_Early Stages._--These are only imperfectly known. The caterpillar feeds
on grasses.
The butterfly, which haunts flowers and may easily be captured upon
them, ranges from New England and Ontario southward to Florida, and
westward to Iowa and Kansas.
(10) =Erynnis snowi=, Edwards, Plate XLVII, Fig. 29, ♂; Fig. 30, ♀
(Snow's Skipper).
_Butterfly._--The upper side of the wings of both sexes is well
represented in the plate. On the under side the wings are uniformly
reddish-brown, with the primaries black at the base, and the median
spots enlarged near the inner margin and whitish, as in the preceding
species. The light spots of the upper side reappear below as pale spots,
which are well defined on the dark ground-color. Expanse, 1.25-1.40
inch.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
The species ranges from southern Colorado to Arizona.
Genus THYMELICUS, Hübner
_Butterfly._--The antennæ are short, less than half the length of the
costa; the club is stout and short, somewhat crooked just at the end.
The third joint of the palpi is conical, almost concealed in the thick
vestiture of the second joint. The neuration is given in the cut.
_Egg._--The egg is hemispherical, with the surface marked by irregular
angular cells formed by slightly raised lines.
_Caterpillar._--The caterpillars feed on grasses. They are long and
slender, thicker behind than before, covered with short hair. They are
generally dark in color, and not green as are the caterpillars in most
of the hesperid genera.
+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| |
| EXPLANATION OF PLATE XLVII |
| |
| 1. _Pamphila mandan_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 2. _Ancyloxypha numitor_, Fabricius, ♂. |
| 3. _Oarisma garita_, Reakirt, ♂. |
| 4. _Oarisma poweshiek_, Parker, ♂. |
| 5. _Amblyscirtes vialis_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 6. _Amblyscirtes samoset_, Scudder, ♂. |
| 7. _Amblyscirtes ænus_, Edwards, ♀. |
| 8. _Amblyscirtes simius_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 9. _Copæodes procris_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 10. _Copæodes wrighti_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 11. _Copæodes myrtis_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 12. _Hesperia scriptura_, Boisduval, ♀. |
| 13. _Hesperia centaureæ_, Rambur, ♂. |
| 14. _Hesperia cæspitalis_, Boisduval, ♀. |
| 15. _Hesperia xanthus_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 16. _Amblyscirtes textor_, Edwards, ♂, |
| _under side_. |
| 17. _Hesperia nessus_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 18. _Hesperia montivaga_, Reakirt, ♂. |
| 19. _Hesperia domicella_, Erichson, ♂. |
| 20. _Limochores taumas_, Fabricius, ♂. |
| 21. _Poanes massasoit_, Scudder, ♂. |
| 22. _Poanes massasoit_, Scudder, ♀. |
| 23. _Erynnis attalus_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 24. _Polites peckius_, Kirby, ♂. |
| 25. _Polites peckius_, Kirby, ♀. |
| 26. _Polites mardon_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 27. _Erynnis uncas_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 28. _Erynnis uncas_, Edwards, ♀. |
| 29. _Erynnis snowi_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 30. _Erynnis snowi_, Edwards, ♀. |
| 31. _Atrytone taxiles_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 32. _Atrytone taxiles_, Edwards, ♀. |
| 33. _Erynnis metea_, Scudder, ♂. |
| 34. _Erynnis metea_, Scudder, ♀. |
| 35. _Erynnis leonardus_, Harris, ♂. |
| 36. _Erynnis leonardus_, Harris, ♀. |
| 37. _Atrytone zabulon_, Boisd.-Lec., ♂. |
| 38. _Atrytone zabulon_, Boisd.-Lec., ♀. |
| 39. _Atrytone pocahontas_, Scudder, ♀. |
| 40. _Thymelicus brettus_, Boisd.-Lec., ♂. |
| 41. _Thymelicus brettus_, Boisd.-Lec., ♀. |
| 42. _Polites sabuleti_, Edwards, ♂. |
| 43. _Polites sabuleti_, Edwards, ♀. |
| 44. _Erynnis sylvanoides_, Boisduval, ♂. |
| |
| [Illustration PLATE XLVII.] |
+--------------------------------------------------------------+
_Chrysalis._--I can discover no account of any observations made upon
the chrysalids of this genus.
(1) =Thymelicus brettus=, Boisduval and Leconte, Plate XLVII, Fig. 40, ♂;
Fig. 41, ♀ (The Whirlabout).
_Butterfly._--The male on the upper side resembles _Hylephila phylæus_,
but may be distinguished by the broader and darker spots on the under
side of the wings. The costal and outer margins of the secondaries are
also generally more broadly bordered with fuscous than in _phylæus_, a
fact not shown in the specimen figured in the plate. The female is quite
different from the female of _phylæus_, as will be seen by a comparison
of the figures of the two sexes. Expanse, ♂, 1.15 inch; ♀, 1.25 inch.
_Early Stages._--These are only partially known. The caterpillar feeds
on grasses.
[Illustration FIG. 167.--Neuration of the genus _Thymelicus_,
enlarged.]
The insect is very rare in the North, a few specimens having been taken
in New England and Wisconsin. It is found commonly in the Carolinas, and
thence southward to the Gulf, and is abundant in the Antilles, Mexico,
and Central America.
(2) =Thymelicus ætna=, Boisduval, Plate XLVI, Fig. 28, ♂; Fig. 29, ♀;
Plate VI, Fig. 42, _chrysalis_ (The Volcanic Skipper).
_Butterfly._--Both sexes are well represented on the upper side in the
plate. On the under side the wings are paler, with the light spots of
the upper side repeated. Expanse, ♂, 1.00 inch; ♀, 1.25 inch.
_Early Stages._--What we know of these is well stated in the pages of
Dr. Scudder's great work. The caterpillar usually feeds on grasses.
The species ranges from New England, Ontario, and Wisconsin on the north
to the Gulf, and as far west as Iowa and Texas.
(3) =Thymelicus mystic=, Scudder, Plate XLVI, Fig. 22, ♂; Fig. 23, ♀
(The Long-dash).
_Butterfly._--No description of the upper side is needed, the figures in
the plate being sufficient to enable identification. On the under side
the primaries are fulvous on the costa at the base. The remainder of the
primaries and the secondaries are dark ferruginous, with the light spots
of the upper side all repeated greatly enlarged, pale, and standing out
boldly upon the dark ground-color. The hind wings are pale brown on the
inner margin. Expanse, ♂, 1.10 inch; ♀, 1.25 inch.
_Early Stages._--These have been elaborately described by Scudder. The
caterpillar feeds on grasses, making a tubular nest for itself among the
leaves.
The insect ranges through southern Canada and New England to
Pennsylvania, and westward to Wisconsin.
Genus ATALOPEDES, Scudder
_Butterfly._--Antennæ short, less than half the length of the costa;
club short, stout, crooked just at the end; the palpi as in the
preceding genus. The cut shows the neuration. The only mark of
distinction between this genus and the two genera that follow is found
in the shape of the discal stigma on the wing of the male, which is
described as follows by Dr. Scudder: "Discal stigma in male consisting
of, first, a longitudinal streak at base of middle median interspace, of
shining black, recurved rods; second, of a semilunar field of dead-black
erect rods in the lowest median interspace, overhung above by long,
curving scales; followed below by a short, small striga of shining black
scales, and outside by a large field of erect, loosely compacted
scales."
[Illustration FIG. 168.--Neuration of the genus _Atalopedes_,
enlarged.]
_Egg._--Hemispherical, covered with a network of delicate raised lines
describing small polygons over the surface; minutely punctate.
_Caterpillar._--Cylindrical, tapering backward and forward; head large;
the neck less constricted than in the genus _Eudamus_ or in the genus
_Thanaos_; dark in color.
_Chrysalis._--The chrysalis is slender, cylindrical, a little humped
upon the thorax, with the tongue-sheath free and projecting to the end
of the fifth abdominal segment.
(1) =Atalopedes huron=, Edwards, Plate XLVI, Fig. 4, ♂; Fig. 5, ♀;
Plate VI, Figs. 43, 47, _chrysalis_ (The Sachem).
_Butterfly._--The upper side of the wings in both sexes is well
represented in the plate. On the under side the wings are paler, with
the light spots of the upper side faintly repeated. Expanse, ♂, 1.15
inch; ♀, 1.35 inch.
_Early Stages._--These are described in full with painstaking accuracy
by Scudder in "The Butterflies of New England." The caterpillar feeds on
grasses.
The species ranges from southern New York to Florida, thence westward
and southward into Mexico.
Genus POLITES, Scudder
_Butterfly._--The antennæ and the palpi are as in the preceding genus;
the neuration of the wings is also very much the same. This is another
genus founded by Dr. Scudder upon the shape of the discal stigma in the
wing of the male. His description of this feature is as follows: "Discal
stigma of male consisting of an interrupted, gently arcuate or sinuate
streak of dead-black retrorse scales or rods, edged below, especially in
the middle, by a border of similar, but dust-colored, erect rods, and
followed beneath by an inconspicuous large area of loosely compacted,
erect, dusky scales."
_Egg._--Approximately hemispherical, the height, however, being greater
than in the egg of the preceding genus; reticulated, the lines forming
hexagonal figures upon the surface.
_Caterpillar, etc._--Of the stages beyond the egg we know as yet
comparatively little. The caterpillar feeds on grasses.
[Illustration FIG. 169.--Neuration of the genus _Polites_, enlarged.]
(1) =Polites peckius=, Kirby, Plate XLVII, Fig. 24, ♂; Fig. 25, ♀
(Peck's Skipper).
_Butterfly._--This little species, the upper side of which in both sexes
is correctly shown in the plate, has the under side of the wings dark
brown, with the light spots of the upper side greatly enlarged,
especially upon the disks of the wings, fused, and pale yellow, thus
contrasting strongly with the rest of the wings. Expanse, ♂, 1.00 inch;
♀, 1.25 inch.
_Early Stages._--These are not thoroughly known as yet. The larva feeds
on grasses.
Peck's Skipper ranges from Canada southward to Virginia, and west to
Kansas and Iowa.
(2) =Polites mardon=, Edwards, Plate XLVII, Fig. 26, ♂ (The Oregon
Skipper).
_Butterfly._--On the under side the wings are pale gray, with the light
spots of the primaries and a curved median band of spots on the
secondaries whitish. Expanse, ♂, 1.10 inch; ♀, 1.20 inch.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
The only specimens I have, including the types, were taken in Oregon and
Washington.
(3) =Polites sabuleti=, Edwards, Plate XLVII, Fig. 42, ♂; Fig. 43, ♀
(The Sand-hill Skipper).
_Butterfly._--Small, the male on the upper side looking like a
diminutive and darkly bordered _phylæus_. On the under side the wings
are paler than on the upper side; the still paler spots of the discal
areas are defined outwardly and inwardly by elongated dark spots.
Expanse, 1.00-1.10 inch.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
The habitat of this species is California.
Genus HYLEPHILA, Billberg
_Butterfly._--The antennæ are very short, scarcely one third the length
of the costa of the fore wing; the club is robust and short, with a very
minute crook at the end; the palpi are as in the two preceding genera.
The neuration of the wings is represented in the cut.
_Early Stages._--As yet but partially known.
The larva feeds on grasses, and the mature form has been figured by
Abbot, a copy of whose drawing is given by Dr. Scudder in Plate 77 of
"The Butterflies of New England."
[Illustration FIG. 170.--Neuration of the genus _Hylephila_, enlarged.]
(1) =Hylephila phylæus=, Drury, Plate XLVI, Fig. 18, ♂; Fig. 19, ♀;
Plate VI, Fig. 39, _chrysalis_ (The Fiery Skipper).
_Butterfly._--The upper side is correctly shown in the plate. On the
under side the wings are pale yellow, with a few small, round spots on
the margin and disk of the hind wings, a black patch at the base, large
black marginal spots, and a central, interrupted, longitudinal black
streak on the disk of the primaries. Expanse, 1.15-1.25 inch.
The insect ranges from Connecticut to Patagonia, over all the most
habitable parts of the New World. I have taken it frequently in southern
Indiana, where I often have collected in recent years.
Genus PRENES, Scudder
_Butterfly._--The antennæ are short, not half the length of the costa.
The head is broad, and the antennæ are inserted widely apart. The club
is moderate, terminating in a fine point which is bent back at right
angles, forming a distinct crook. The abdomen is long and slender, but
does not project beyond the hind margin of the secondaries. The fore
wings are pointed at the apex and are relatively longer and narrower
than in the preceding genus. The neuration is illustrated in the cut.
_Early Stages._--These have not yet been studied.
[Illustration FIG. 171.--Neuration of the genus _Prenes_, enlarged.]
(1) =Prenes ocola=, Edwards, Plate XLVI, Fig. 34, ♂ (The Ocola Skipper).
_Butterfly._--Accurately depicted in the plate. The under side is like
the upper side, but a shade paler. The under side of the abdomen is
whitish. Expanse, 1.45-1.60 inch.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
This is a Southern species, found commonly in the Gulf States, and
ranging northward to Pennsylvania, southern Ohio, and Indiana.
Genus CALPODES, Hübner
[Illustration FIG. 172.--Neuration of the genus _Calpodes_, enlarged.]
_Butterfly._--Rather large, stout; head broad; antennæ as in the
preceding genus, but stouter. The neuration, considerably enlarged, is
accurately delineated in the cut.
_Egg._--Hemispherical, ornamented with irregular, more or less
pentagonal cells.
_Caterpillar._--Cylindrical, slender, tapering forward and backward from
the ninth segment, rapidly diminishing in size posteriorly; the head
relatively small, the neck not much strangulated; spiracles surrounded
by radiating blackish bristles.
_Chrysalis._--The chrysalis is relatively slender, gently convex both on
the ventral and dorsal aspects, with a curved delicate frontal tubercle.
The tongue-case is long and projects for a considerable distance beyond
the somewhat short cremaster.
(1) =Calpodes ethlius=, Cramer, Plate XLV, Fig. 3, ♀; Plate VI, Fig. 48,
_chrysalis_ (The Brazilian Skipper).
_Butterfly._--There can be no mistaking this robust and thick-bodied
species. The wings on the under side are dull olive, blackish at the
base of the primaries, with all the spots of the upper side repeated.
Expanse, 2.00-2.15 inches.
_Early Stages._--The caterpillar feeds on the leaves of the canna.
It is common in the Gulf States, and ranges north to South Carolina. A
stray specimen was once taken at West Farms, New York. Southward it
ranges everywhere through the Antilles to Argentina, in South America.
Genus LERODEA, Scudder
_Butterfly._--The antennæ are about half as long as the costa; the club
is robust, slightly elongated, with a distinct crook at the extremity;
the palpi have the third joint erect, minute, and bluntly conical. The
neuration is represented in the cut.
_Early Stages._--These are not known.
[Illustration FIG. 173.--Neuration of the genus _Lerodea_, enlarged.]
(1) =Lerodea eufala=, Edwards, Plate XLVI, Fig. 33, ♀ (Eufala).
_Butterfly._--The plate shows the upper side of the female. The male is
not different, except that the fore wings are a little more pointed at
the apex. The under side is like the upper side, but a shade paler. The
lower side of the abdomen is whitish. When seen on the wing the creature
looks like a small _Prenes ocola_. Expanse, 1.10-1.20 inch.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
This butterfly is found in the Gulf States.
Genus LIMOCHORES, Scudder
_Butterfly._--The antennæ are about half as long as the costa; the club
is robust, elongate, with a very short terminal crook; the palpi have
the third joint erect, short, bluntly conical. The male has a linear
discal stigma on the upper side of the fore wing, as shown in the cut.
_Egg._--Hemispherical, somewhat flattened on the top, the surface broken
up by delicate raised lines into pentagonal cells.
_Caterpillar._--Largest on the fourth and fifth abdominal segments,
tapering to either end. The larvæ feed on grasses, and construct a
tube-like nest of delicate films of silk between the blades.
_Chrysalis._--Comparatively slender, strongly convex on the thoracic
segments and on the dorsal side of the last segments of the abdomen. On
the ventral side the chrysalis is nearly straight. The cremaster, which
is short, is bent upward at an oblique angle with the line of the
ventral surface.
[Illustration FIG. 174.--Neuration of the genus _Limochores_,
enlarged.]
(1) =Limochores taumas=, Fabricius, Plate XLVII, Fig. 20, ♂; Plate VI,
Fig. 44, _chrysalis_ (The Fawny-edged Skipper).
_Butterfly._--The upper side of the male is excellently portrayed in the
plate. The female is without the tawny edge on the fore wing, the entire
wing being olivaceous, with three small subapical spots and a median row
of four spots beyond the end of the cell, increasing in size toward the
inner margin. On the under side in both sexes the wings are uniformly
dull olivaceous, with the spots of the upper side repeated. The costa of
the male is edged with red on this side, as well as on the upper side.
Expanse, ♂, 1.00 inch; ♀, 1.20 inch.
_Early Stages._--The reader who wishes to know about them may consult
the pages of "The Butterflies of New England." The caterpillar feeds on
grasses.
The insect ranges from Canada to the Gulf, and westward to Texas,
Colorado, and Montana.
(2) =Limochores manataaqua=, Scudder, Plate XLVI, Fig. 30, ♀ (The
Cross-line Skipper).
_Butterfly._--The male on the upper side is dusky-olive, with a black
discal streak below the cell, which is slightly touched with reddish,
becoming deeper and clearer red on the costa at the base. The wings on
the under side are more or less pale gray, with a transverse series of
pale spots on the primaries, and a very faint curved discal series of
similar spots on the secondaries. The female, the upper side of which is
well shown in the plate, is marked below much like the male. Expanse,
1.10-1.20 inch.
_Early Stages._--These have been described by Scudder.
The insect occurs in New England and Canada, and ranges westward to
Nebraska.
(3) =Limochores pontiac=, Edwards, Plate XLVI, Fig. 16, ♂; Fig. 17, ♀
(Pontiac).
_Butterfly._--This fine insect is so well represented in the plate as to
require but little description. The wings are pale red, clouded with
dusky on the under side, the spots of the upper side being indistinctly
repeated. Expanse, ♂, 1.15 inch; ♀, 1.25 inch.
_Early Stages._--Little is known of these.
The insect ranges from Massachusetts to Iowa and Nebraska, and seems to
have its metropolis about the southern end of Lake Michigan.
(4) =Limochores palatka=, Edwards, Plate XLVI, Fig. 21, ♂ (The Palatka
Skipper).
_Butterfly._--The upper side of the male needs no description. The
female closely resembles the female of _L. byssus_, which is shown in
the plate at Fig. 20, but differs from the female of that species in
having the median spots on the primaries much reduced in size, the band
of spots being greatly interrupted beyond the end of the cell. On the
hind wing the female has the entire surface of the secondaries inside of
the broad outer band fulvous, as shown in the figure of the male, and
not simply marked by a transverse narrow band of spots. On the under
side the fore wings are bright fulvous, clouded with black at the base
and near the outer angle. The hind wings are uniformly dull
reddish-brown. This species has been identified by Dr. Scudder with a
species named _dion_ by Edwards, but which is a very different thing.
Expanse, ♂, 1.50-1.65 inch; ♀, 1.90-2.00 inches.
_Early Stages._--We know nothing of these.
The insect is confined to Florida, all the specimens which I have seen
coming from the region of the Indian River.
(5) =Limochores byssus=, Edwards, Plate XLVI, Fig. 20, ♀ (Byssus).
_Butterfly._--Allied to the preceding species. The discal stigma of the
male upon the fore wings is much longer than in _L. palatka_. The outer
margin of the secondaries is not as sharply defined as in that species,
but shades insensibly into the lighter greenish-fulvous of the basal
part of the wing. The female on the upper side is distinguished from the
female of the preceding species by the restriction of the discal band of
spots on the hind wing to a few small light-colored spaces beyond the
end of the cell, and by the regular continuation of the band of yellow
spots across the primaries from the subapical spots to the submedian
nervule near the middle of the inner margin. On the under side the
primaries and the secondaries are very bright, clear orange-red, with
the base and inner margin of the primaries brightly laved with blackish.
The median series of spots in the male are very faintly indicated on the
fore wings, but are more strongly indicated on those of the female.
Expanse, ♂, 1.45 inch; ♀, 1.65 inch.
_Early Stages._--We know little of these.
The insect is found in Florida.
(6) =Limochores yehl=, Skinner, Plate XLVI, Fig. 40, ♂ (Skinner's
Skipper).
_Butterfly._--The upper side of the male is shown in the plate. On the
under side the wings are lighter, the secondaries uniformly pale
cinnamon-brown, marked with a semicircle of four yellowish round spots,
with a small spot on the cell toward the base. Expanse, 1.25-1.35 inch.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
The species has been taken in Florida, and is as yet not common in
collections. The figure is that of the type.
Genus EUPHYES, Scudder
_Butterfly._--The antennæ have the club stout, elongate, furnished with
a short crook at the end; the palpi are densely scaled; the third joint
is slender, bluntly conical, projecting beyond the vestiture of the
second joint. The neuration is shown in the cut.
_Egg._--Hemispherical.
_Caterpillar._--The head small, body cylindrical, tapering forward and
backward from the middle, the body profusely covered with minute
tapering hairs arising from small, wart-like protuberances.
_Chrysalis._--Thus far undescribed.
[Illustration FIG. 175.--Neuration of the genus _Euphyes_, enlarged.]
(1) =Euphyes verna=, Edwards, Plate XLVI, Fig. 32, ♀ (The Little
Glass-wing).
_Butterfly._--The upper side of the male is correctly delineated in the
plate. On the under side the wings are paler, inclining to purplish-red.
The spots of the upper side are repeated, but in addition about the
middle of the hind wings there is a semicircle of pale spots. Expanse,
♂, 1.15 inch; ♀, 1.35 inch.
_Early Stages._--We do not know much of these; what little we do know
may be found recorded in the pages of "The Butterflies of New England."
The caterpillar feeds on grasses.
It ranges from southern New England to Virginia, westward to Kansas, and
northward to the province of Alberta. It is quite common in Ohio,
Indiana, and Illinois.
(2) =Euphyes metacomet=, Harris, Plate XLVI, Fig. 31, ♂ (The Dun
Skipper).
_Butterfly._--The male is dark in color on the upper side, and on the
under side the wings are a shade lighter, the lower side of the abdomen
being generally paler. The female has some faint traces of translucent
apical spots near the costa, and two minute translucent spots on either
side of the second median nervule near its origin. On the under side the
spots of the upper side reappear. There is a faint trace of a semicircle
of pale spots about the middle of the hind wing. The female specimens
vary on the under side from pale brown to a distinctly purplish-brown.
Expanse, ♂, 1.15 inch; ♀, 1.30 inch.
_Early stages._--Next to nothing is known of these.
It ranges from Quebec to the Carolinas, and westward to Texas, New
Mexico, and the British possessions east of the Rocky Mountains, as far
north as the latitude of the northern shores of Lake Superior.
+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| |
| EXPLANATION OF PLATE XLVIII |
| |
| 1. _Thanaos persius_, Scudder, ♂. |
| 2. _Thanaos somnus_, Lintner, ♂. |
| 3. _Thanaos nævius_, Lintner, ♀. |
| 4. _Thanaos martialis_, Scudder, ♂. |
| 5. _Thorybes bathyllus_, Smith and Abbot, |
| ♀. |
| 6. _Thorybes pylades_, Scudder, ♀. |
| 7. _Thanaos petronius_, Lintner, ♂. |
| 8. _Lerema accius_, Smith and Abbot, ♂. |
| 9. _Thanaos pacuvius_, Lintner, ♀. |
| 10. _Thanaos lucilius_, Lintner, ♂. |
| 11. _Thanaos juvenalis_, Fabricius, ♀. |
| 12. _Thanaos funeralis_, Lintner, ♂. |
| 13. _Thorybes epigena_, Butler, ♂. |
| 14. _Pholisora libya_, Scudder, ♂. |
| 15. _Thanaos horatius_, Scudder, ♂. |
| 16. _Pholisora hayhursti_, Edwards, ♀. |
| 17. _Thanaos icelus_, Lintner, ♂. |
| 18. _Colias eurytheme_, Boisduval, ♀, |
| _albino_. |
| |
| [Illustration PLATE XLVIII.] |
+--------------------------------------------------------------+
Genus OLIGORIA, Scudder
_Butterfly._--The antennæ are as in the preceding genus; the palpi have
the third joint minute and almost entirely concealed in the thick
vestiture of the second joint. The neuration is represented in the cut.
_Early Stages._--We know very little of these, and there is here a field
for investigation.
[Illustration FIG. 176.--Neuration of the genus _Oligoria_, enlarged.]
(1) =Oligoria maculata=, Edwards, Plate XLVI, Fig. 35, ♂ (The Twin-spot).
_Butterfly._--The upper side of the male is as shown in the plate. The
female closely resembles the male, but the spots on the fore wing are
larger. On the under side the wings are brown, almost as dark as on the
upper side. The primaries are whitish near the outer angle. The spots of
the upper side of the primaries are reproduced on the lower side. The
hind wings have three conspicuous pearly-white spots about the middle,
two located one on either side of the second median nervule, and one
removed from these, located between the upper radial and the subcostal
nervule. Expanse, ♂, 1.40 inch; ♀, 1.50 inch.
_Early Stages._--But little is known of these.
This is a Southern species, found abundantly in Florida, and ranging
northward into Georgia and the Carolinas. A specimen is reported to have
been taken near Albany, New York, and diligent collecting may show that
it has a far more northern range than has heretofore been supposed.
Genus POANES, Scudder
_Butterfly._--The antennæ are short; the club is stout, bent, acuminate
at the tip. The third joint of the palpi is slender, cylindrical, short.
The neuration of the genus is shown in the cut.
_Early Stages._--Nothing is known of these, and they await
investigation.
(1) =Poanes massasoit=, Scudder, Plate XLVII, Fig. 21, ♂; Fig. 22, ♀
(The Mulberry-wing).
_Butterfly._--The upper side of the wings in both sexes is correctly
shown in the plate. On the under side the fore wings are black, with the
costa and the outer margin bordered with reddish, with three small
subapical light spots and two or three median spots. On the under side
the hind wings are bright yellow, bordered on the costa and on the outer
margin for part of their distance with reddish-brown. The female on the
under side is more obscurely marked than the male, and the hind wings
are more or less gray in many specimens, lacking the bright yellow which
appears upon the wings of the male. There is considerable variation on
the under side of the wings. Expanse, ♂, 1.15 inch; ♀, 1.20 inch.
[Illustration FIG. 177.--Neuration of the genus _Poanes_, enlarged.]
_Early Stages._--Not known.
The species ranges from New England westward as far as Nebraska, and its
range does not appear to extend south of Pennsylvania, though it has
been reported from Colorado, and even from northern Texas, in the West.
Genus PHYCANASSA, Scudder
_Butterfly._--Antennæ short; club straight, with a small crook at the
end. The palpi are as in the preceding genus, but a trifle longer. The
neuration is shown in the cut, and is very much like that of the
preceding genus.
_Early Stages._--These are wholly unknown.
[Illustration FIG. 178.--Neuration of the genus _Phycanassa_,
enlarged.]
(1) =Phycanassa viator=, Edwards, Plate XLVI, Fig. 14, ♂; Fig. 15, ♀
(The Broad-winged Skipper).
_Butterfly._--Accurately delineated in the plate. On the under side the
wings are as on the upper side, but paler, and the secondaries are
traversed from the base to the middle of the outer margin by a pale
light-colored longitudinal ray, which is more or less obscured in some
specimens, especially of the female. The light spots of the upper side
appear indistinctly on the under side. Expanse, ♂, 1.45 inch; ♀, 1.60
inch.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
It is not uncommon in the Gulf States, and has been found as far north
as New Jersey, northern Illinois, and Wisconsin.
(2) =Phycanassa howardi=, Skinner, Plate XLVI, Fig. 38, ♂ (Howard's
Skipper).
_Butterfly._--The figure in the plate gives the upper side of the male,
in which the discal streak is composed of light-colored scales of the
same tint as the rest of the wing, in this respect resembling the allied
_P. aaroni_. The under side of the wings is described by Dr. Skinner as
follows: "Superiors with tawny central area and border same as upper
side. There is a large triangular spot extending into the wing from the
base. The tawny color above this spot is of a darker hue than that below
and outside of it. Inferiors very light brown, generally with four or
five very faint tawny spots in the central area." Expanse, ♂, 1.50 inch;
♀, 1.60 inch.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
The home of this species is Florida.
(3) =Phycanassa aaroni=, Skinner, Plate XLVI, Fig. 37, ♂ (Aaron's
Skipper).
_Butterfly._--This small species, the male of which is figured in the
plate, may be easily recognized from the figure there given. On the
under side the fore wings are black at the base; the middle area of the
wing is tawny, paler than on the upper side, and bordered as above, but
the border below is cinnamon-brown and not fuscous. The hind wings on
the under side are uniformly light cinnamon-brown, without any spots.
The female is like the male, but larger, the colors somewhat lighter and
the markings not so well defined. Expanse, ♂, 1.00 inch; ♀, 1.25 inch.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
The specimens thus far contained in collections have all been taken
about Cape May, in New Jersey, in the salt-marshes.
Genus ATRYTONE, Scudder
_Butterfly._--The antennæ have a stout club, somewhat elongate, and
furnished with a short crook at the end. The palpi are very much as in
the preceding genus. The neuration is shown in the cut. There is no
discal stigma on the fore wing of the male.
_Egg._--The egg is hemispherical, somewhat broadly flattened at the
apex, covered with small cells, the inner surface of which is marked
with minute punctulations.
_Caterpillar._--The caterpillar feeds upon common grasses, making a
loose nest of silk for itself at the point where the leaf joins the
stem. The head is small; the body is cylindrical, thick, tapering
abruptly at either end.
_Chrysalis._--Covered with delicate hair; the tongue-case free.
[Illustration FIG. 179.--Neuration of the genus _Atrytone_, enlarged.]
(1) =Atrytone vitellius=, Smith and Abbot, Plate XLVI, Fig. 6, ♂ (The
Iowa Skipper).
_Butterfly._--The male on the upper side is as shown in the plate. The
female on the upper side has the hind wings almost entirely fuscous,
very slightly yellowish about the middle of the disk. The fore wings
have the inner and outer margins more broadly bordered with fuscous than
the male, and through the middle of the cell there runs a dark ray. On
the under side the wings are bright pale yellow, with the inner margin
of the primaries clouded with brown. Expanse, ♂, 1.25 inch; ♀, 1.45
inch.
_Early Stages._--Very little is known of these.
The species ranges through the Gulf States, and northward in the valley
of the Mississippi as far as Nebraska and Iowa. It seems to be quite
common in Nebraska, and probably has a wider distribution than is
reported.
(2) =Atrytone zabulon=, Boisduval and Leconte, Plate XLVII, Fig. 37, ♂;
Fig. 38, ♀ (The Hobomok Skipper).
_Butterfly._--The upper side of both sexes is shown in the plate. The
color on the disk of the wings is, however, a little too red. On the
under side the wings are bright yellow, with the bases and the outer
margin bordered with dark brown. Expanse, ♂, 1.25 inch; ♀, 1.50 inch.
_Early Stages._--The caterpillar feeds upon grasses. The life-history
has been described with minute accuracy by Dr. Scudder.
The species ranges from New England to Georgia, and westward to the
Great Plains. It is very common in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and the
valley of the Ohio.
Dimorphic var. =pocahontas=, Scudder, Plate XLVII, Fig. 39, ♀. This is a
melanic, or black, female variety of _zabulon_, which is not uncommon.
It is remarkable because of the white spots on the primaries and the
dark color of the under side of the wings.
(3) =Atrytone taxiles=, Edwards, Plate XLVII, Fig. 31, ♂; Fig. 32, ♀
(Taxiles).
_Butterfly._--The fore wings on the under side of the male are bright
yellow, black at the base, slightly clouded on the outer margin with
pale brown. The hind wings on the under side in this sex are still paler
yellow, margined externally with pale brown, and crossed near the base
and on the disk by irregular bands of pale brown. In the female sex the
fore wings on the under side are fulvous, marked much as in the male,
but darker, especially toward the apex, where the subapical spots and
two small pale spots beyond the end of the cell near the outer margin
interrupt the brown color. The hind wings on the under side are pale
ferruginous, crossed by bands of lighter spots, and mottled with darker
brown. Expanse, ♂, 1.45 inch; ♀, 1.50 inch.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
The range of this species is from Colorado and Nevada to Arizona.
(4) =Atrytone delaware=, Edwards, Plate XLVI, Fig. 24, ♂; Fig. 25, ♀
(The Delaware Skipper).
_Butterfly._--No description of the upper side of the wings is
necessary. On the under side the wings are bright orange-red, clouded
with black at the base and on the outer angle of the fore wings.
Expanse, ♂, 1.25-1.35 inch; ♀, 1.35-1.50 inch.
_Early Stages._--Very little is known of these.
The butterfly is found from southern New England and northern New York
as far south as Florida and Texas, ranging west to the Yellowstone and
southern Colorado.
(5) =Atrytone melane=, Edwards, Plate XLVI, Fig. 7, ♂; Fig. 8, ♀ (The
Umber Skipper).
_Butterfly._--The male on the upper side somewhat resembles _A.
zabulon_, var. _pocahontas_; the female likewise closely resembles
specimens of this variety. The wings on the under side are ferruginous,
clouded with blackish toward the base of the inner angle, the light
spots of the upper side being repeated. The hind wings on the under side
are reddish, with a broad irregular curved median band of pale-yellow
spots. In the female the band of spots is far more obscure. Expanse, ♂,
1.30 inch; ♀, 1.50 inch.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
The insect is found in southern California.
Genus LEREMA, Scudder
_Butterfly._--The antennæ are as in the preceding genus; the palpi have
the third joint erect, short, conical. The neuration is represented in
the cut. The male has a linear glandular streak on the upper side of the
fore wing.
_Egg._--Hemispherical, covered with more or less regularly pentagonal
cells.
_Caterpillar._--The caterpillar feeds upon grasses. The body is slender,
tapering forward and backward; the head is small.
_Chrysalis._--The chrysalis is slender, smooth, with a tapering conical
projection at the head, and the tongue-case long and free, reaching
almost to the end of the abdomen.
[Illustration FIG. 180.--Neuration of the genus _Lerema_, enlarged.]
(1) =Lerema accius=, Smith and Abbot, Plate XLVIII, Fig. 8, ♂; Plate VI,
Fig. 46, _chrysalis_ (Accius).
_Butterfly._--The male on the upper side is dark blackish-brown, with
three small subapical spots, and one small spot below these, near the
origin of the third median nervule. The female is exactly like the male,
except that it has two spots, the larger one being placed below the
small spot corresponding to the one on the fore wing of the male. The
wings on the under side are dark fuscous, somewhat clouded with darker
brown, the spots of the upper side reappearing on the under side.
Expanse, ♂, 1.40 inch; ♀, 1.50 inch.
_Early Stages._--Very little has been written upon the early stages.
The butterfly ranges from southern Connecticut to Florida, thence
westward to Texas, and along the Gulf coast in Mexico.
(2) =Lerema hianna=, Scudder, Plate XLVI, Fig. 9, ♂; Fig. 10, ♀ (The
Dusted Skipper).
_Butterfly._--The upper side is accurately represented in the plate. The
wings on the lower side are as on the upper side, a trifle paler and
somewhat grayer on the outer margin. Expanse, ♂, 1.15 inch; ♀, 1.25
inch.
_Early Stages._--Unknown.
It ranges through southern New England, westward to Wisconsin, Iowa, and
Nebraska, in a comparatively narrow strip of country.
(3) =Lerema carolina=, Skinner, Plate XLVI, Fig. 36, ♂ (The Carolina
Skipper).
_Butterfly._--On the upper side the butterfly is as represented in the
plate. The spots are repeated on the under side of the fore wing, but
less distinctly defined. The costa is edged with brownish-yellow. The
hind wings on the under side are yellow, spotted with small dark-brown
dots. Expanse, ♂, 1.00 inch. The female is unknown.
_Early Stages._--Wholly unknown.
This species has thus far been found only in North Carolina, and is
still extremely rare in collections. The figure in the plate represents
the type. I have seen other specimens. I place it provisionally in the
genus _Lerema_, though it undoubtedly does not belong here, and probably
may represent a new genus. Lacking material for dissection, I content
myself with this reference.
Genus MEGATHYMUS, Riley
[Illustration FIG. 181.--_Megathymus yuccæ_, ♀.]
This genus comprises butterflies having very stout bodies, broad wings,
strongly clubbed antennæ, very minute palpi. The caterpillars are
wood-boring in their habits, living in the pith and underground roots of
different species of _Yucca_. The life-history of the species
represented in the cuts has been well described by the late Professor
C.V. Riley, and the student who is curious to know more about this
remarkable insect will do well to consult the "Eighth Annual Report of
the State Entomologist of Missouri" (p. 169), or the "Transactions of
the St. Louis Academy of Science" (vol. iii, p. 323), in which, with
great learning, the author has patiently set forth what is known in
reference to the insect.
[Illustration FIG. 182.--_Megathymus yuccæ_: _a_, egg, magnified; _b_,
egg from which larva has escaped; _bb_, _bbb_, unhatched eggs, natural
size; _c_, newly hatched larva, magnified; _cc_, larva, natural size;
_d_, head, enlarged to show the mouth-parts; _e_, maxillary palpi; _f_,
antenna; _g_, labial palpi; _h_, spinneret.]
The genus _Megathymus_ is referred by some writers to the _Castniidæ_, a
genus of day-flying moths, which seem to connect the moths with the
butterflies; but the consideration of the anatomical structure of this
insect makes such a reference impossible. The genus properly represents
a subfamily of the _Hesperiidæ_, which might be named the _Megathyminæ_.
The species represented in our cuts is _Megathymus yuccæ_, Boisduval and
Leconte. There are a number of other species of _Megathymus_ that are
found in our Southern States, principally in Texas and Arizona. They are
interesting insects, the life-history of which is, however, in many
cases obscure, as yet.
[Illustration FIG. 183.--Chrysalis of _Megathymus yuccæ_.]
Conclusion
We here bring to a conclusion our survey of the butterflies of North
America. There are, in addition to the species that have been described
and figured in the plates, about one hundred and twenty-five other
species, principally _Hesperiidæ_, which have not been mentioned. The
field of exploration has not by any means been exhausted, and there is
no doubt that in the lapse of time a number of other species will be
discovered to inhabit our faunal limits.
The writer of these pages would deem it a great privilege to aid those
who are interested in the subject in naming and identifying any material
which they may not be able to name and identify by the help of this
book. In laying down his pen, at the end of what has been to him a
pleasurable task, he again renews the hope that what he has written may
tend to stimulate a deeper and more intelligent interest in the wonders
of creative wisdom, and takes occasion to remind the reader that it is
true, as was said by Fabricius, that nature is most to be admired in
those works which are least--"_Natura maxime miranda in minimis._"
[Illustration]
SUPPLEMENTARY NOTE TO THE SECOND EDITION
The first edition of this book having been nearly exhausted in less than
a month after publication, the author has not yet had opportunity to
avail himself of the criticisms of scientific friends who are presumably
looking for sins of omission and commission, of which it is sincerely
hoped they will acquaint him when discovered. Thus far all criticisms
have been of an approbatory character, and have only expressed pleasure.
The writer is indebted to Mr. Harrison G. Dyar, the Honorary Curator of
the Department of Entomology in the United States National Museum, for
reminding him of the fact, which he had carelessly overlooked, that the
larva and chrysalis of _Eumæus atala_ (see p. 237) have been fully
described by Scudder, "Memoirs of the Boston Society of Natural
History," vol. ii., p. 413, and by Schwartz, "Insect Life," vol. i., p.
39. The caterpillar is found abundantly upon the "coontie" (_Zamia
integrifolia_, Willdenow), and the insect, according to Schwartz, fairly
swarms in the pine-woods between the shores of Biscayne Bay and the
Everglades.
INDEX
aaroni, Phycanassa, 363
Abbot, John, 70
abbotti, Papilio, 307
abdomen, 7, 17
aberrations, 24
acadica, Thecla, 242;
Pieris, 280
acastus, Melitæa, 143
accius, Lerema, 366
Achalarus, genus, 325;
cellus, 326;
lycidas, 325
acis, Thecla, 240, 246
acmon, Lycæna, 266
Acræa, genus, 162
Acræinæ, subfamily, 162
Actinomeris, 157
Adelpha, genus, 187;
californica, 187
adenostomatis, Thecla, 245
adiante, Argynnis, 123
Admiral, The Red, 170
Admirals, The White, 182;
Hulst's, 185;
Lorquin's, 185
æmilia, Thorybes, 325
ænus, Amblyscirtes, 341
ætna, Thymelicus, 351
affinis, Thecla, 249
afranius, Thanaos, 334
agarithe, Catopsilia, 287
Ageronia, genus, 193;
feronia, 194;
fornax, 194
Agraulis, genus, 96
Agrion, genus of dragon-flies, 86
ajax, Papilio, 307
alberta, Brenthis, 135
albinism, 24
albinos, 64
alcestis, Argynnis, 107;
Thecla, 241
alexandra, Colias, 292
aliaska, Papilio, 312
alicia, Chlorippe, 190
alma, Melitæa, 147
alope, Satyrus, 215
alpheus, Pholisora, 331
Alpines, The, 208;
Alaskan, 209;
Colorado, 209;
Common, 210;
Red-streaked, 209
Althæa, 170
Amarantaceæ, 330
Amarantus, 335
Amblyscirtes, genus, 339;
ænus, 341;
samoset, 340;
simius, 341;
textor, 341;
vialis, 340
American Entomological Society, 73
ammon, Lycæna, 270
Amorpha californica, 289
ampelos, Coenonympha, 207
amymone, Cystineura, 177
amyntula, Lycæna, 268
anal angle of wing, 19
Anartia, genus, 174;
jatrophæ, 174
Anatomy of Butterflies, 14-25
Ancyloxypha, genus, 344;
numitor, 345
andria, Pyrrhanæa, 9, 192
androconia, 18, 19
Angle-wings, The, 163;
Colorado, 165;
Graceful, 166
anicia, Melitæa, 140
Animal Kingdom, The Place of Butterflies in the, 58
annetta, Lycæna, 266
Anosia, genus, 81;
berenice, 82, 84;
plexippus, 4, 6, 7, 11, 12, 14, 15, 63, 82, 171;
strigosa, 84
antennæ of caterpillar, 6;
of butterfly, 14, 16, 23, 61
Antennaria, 170
Anthocharis, genus, 282
Anthrenus, a museum pest, 53
antiacis, Lycæna, 261
antiopa, Vanessa, 5, 7, 94, 169
Antirrhinum, 173
antonia, Chlorippe, 189
aortal chamber, 23
aphrodite, Argynnis, 107
apparatus, collecting, 26;
for breeding butterflies, 34;
for mounting butterflies, 39;
for inflating caterpillars, 45;
for preserving specimens, 48;
pins, 56;
forceps, 56
Aquilegia canadensis, 334
aquilo, Lycæna, 263
Arabis, 284
arachne, Melitæa, 148
Arachnida, 59
arctic butterflies, 171
Arctics, The, 218;
Bruce's, 223;
Greater, 220;
Labrador, 223;
Macoun's, 221;
Mead's, 222;
Uhler's, 222
Argynnis, genus, 96, 99, 101, 161, 172;
adiante, 123;
alcestis, 107;
aphrodite, 18, 107;
artonis, 123;
atlantis, 108;
atossa, 122;
behrensi, 115;
bischoffi, 124;
bremneri, 113;
callippe, 118;
carpenteri, 106;
chitone, 116;
cipris, 107;
clio, 124;
columbia, 111;
cornelia, 110;
coronis, 117;
cybele, 106;
diana, 103;
edwardsi, 119;
egleis, 126;
electa, 111;
eurynome, 125;
halcyone, 116;
hesperis, 112;
hippolyta, 112;
idalia, 103;
inornata, 122;
lais, 109;
laura, 120;
leto, 105;
liliana, 119;
macaria, 121;
meadi, 119;
monticola, 114;
montivaga, 126;
nausicaä, 108;
nevadensis, 118;
nitocris, 105;
nokomis, 104;
opis, 124;
oweni, 109;
platina, 117;
purpurescens, 114;
rhodope, 115;
rupestris, 120;
semiramis, 121;
snyderi, 118;
zerene, 113
ariadne, Colias, 29
ariane, Satyrus, 216
Aristolochia, 315, 316
army-worm, 257
Arnold, Sir Edwin, quotations from, 214, 258
arota, Chrysophanus, 252
arrangement, of specimens, 52;
of species, 62
arsace, Thecla, 248
arthemis, Basilarchia, 184
Arthropoda, definition of, 59;
subdivisions of, 59
artonis, Argynnis, 123
Asama-yama, volcano, 150
Asclepias, 81
Asimina triloba, 308