140 BULLETIN 15 7, U. S. NATIONAL MUSEUM ! 



Genus STRYMON HUbner 



STRYMON M-ALBUM (Boisduval and Le Conte) 



Azure Haikstrbak 

 Plate 23, Figures 1, 2 



Occurrence. — Very irregular in its occurrence, sometimes rather 

 common but usually scarce and frequently not to be found at all. 

 It was found rarely in 1926, was rather common in 1927, but has not 

 been reported from this area since, although Dr. E. A. Chapin took 

 it at Falls Church in 1928. Whenever it occurs it is generally dis- 

 tributed in moist open fields and on hillsides near woods, being the 

 most generally distributed of all our hairstreaks with the sole excep- 

 tion of StryTTion Tnelirms. 



Mr. Shoemaker has about 12 specimens, all taken between April 20 

 and May 1, and one of the five specimens in the Schonborn collec- 

 tion was taken on April 21. Dr. E. A. Chapin captured one on July 

 4, 1928, at Falls Church, Va. One of the specimens in the Schonborn 

 collection was taken August 14, and I have one taken August 27, 



1926, at Cabin John (A. B. J. Clark), and four taken September 2, 



1927, at Silver Spring. Mr. Shoemaker once saw an old worn indi- 

 vidual in September. 



Seasons. — There would seem to be three broods in this region, one 

 in the last half of April and May, one in the last half of June and 

 early in July, and one in the last half of August extending into 

 September. 



STRYMON MELINUS MELINUS Hiibner 



Gray Haiestreak 

 Plate 23, Figures 5, 6 



OcGW^ence. — Common, though not abundant, in open fields 

 throughout the District area, and sometimes found in the more open 

 woods. It is the commonest of the hairstreaks in this region. 



The Schonborn collection contains specimens taken on August 11 

 and 13. The National Museum contains a specimen from Washing- 

 ton taken by Mrs. D. H. Blake, and three others from Washington 

 without further data. 



Habits. — This little butterfly has a rapid and very erratic flight, 

 always keeping near the ground. Its flight is so fast and it is so 

 small that it is seldom noticed unless perched on a flower. When 

 startled it seems to vanish after flying a few yards. Early in spring 

 it may be found on the flowers of Barharea vulgaris.^ and later on 

 clover, milkweed, and thistles. 



