Genus Phyciodes 
the spots of the upper side in paler tints. Of the spots of the under 
side of the wings one of the most characteristic is the pale crescent 
situated on the outer margin of the hind wings, 
between the ends of the second and third me¬ 
dian nervules. This spot is frequently pearly- 
white or silvered. Structurally the butterflies of 
this genus may be distinguished from the pre¬ 
ceding genus by the enlarged second joint of the 
palpi and the very fine, extremely pointed third 
joint. In the neuration of the wings and in their 
habits these butterflies closely approximate 
Melitcea . 
Eggs. —The eggs are always higher than p°™ ci °J es the genus 
broad, with the surface at the base more or 
less pitted, giving them a thimble-like appearance. On the 
upper end in some species they have a few short, vertical ridges, 
radiating from the micropyle. 
Caterpillar. —The caterpillar is cylindrical, marked with pale 
longitudinal stripes upon a darker ground, and adorned with 
tubercles arranged in regular rows. These tubercles are generally 
much shorter than in the genus Melitcea. The caterpillars do not, 
so far as is known, weave webs at any time. 
Chrysalis.— -The chrysalis is pendant, with the head slightly 
bifid. The dorsal region of the abdomen is provided with slight 
tubercles. The color is generally some shade of pale gray, 
blotched with black or dark brown. 
This genus finds its principal development in South and Cen¬ 
tral America, which are very rich in species, some of them 
mimicking in a most marvelous manner the butterflies of the pro¬ 
tected genus Heliconhts and its allies. The species found in the 
United States and Canada are for the most part not very gaily 
colored insects, chaste shades of brown, or yellow, and black 
predominating. 
(i) Phyciodes nycteis, Doubleday and Hewitson, Plate XVII, 
Fig. 28, $ , under side ; Fig. 29, $ ; Fig. 30, $ ; Plate V, Fig. 
19, chrysalis (Nycteis). 
Butterfly.- —On the upper side very closely resembling Melitcea 
harrisi, for which it may easily be mistaken upon the wing. The 
under side of the hind wings is very different, and may at once 
be distinguished by the lighter color of the base of the wing, 
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