BUTTERFLIES OP THE DISTRICT OP COLUMBIA 223 



Habits. — Though usually keeping in the grass, or at least near the 

 ground, and feeding on the flowers of clover and other low-growing 

 plants, this species is frequently seen on the fliowers of the buttonbush 

 {C ephalanthus occidentalis) in company with the silver-spotted 

 skipper {Efargyreus tityrus), and late in summer on thistle flowers 

 in company with the same species and Eryimis leonardus. The fe- 

 males seem to be somewhat more numerous than the males. 



The males have a curious way of hovering about the female, first 

 on one side and then on the other 3 or 4 inches away, passing from 

 one side to the other very rapidly in an arc behind her. 



Broods. — Mr. Scudder says that the available information indicates 

 that this species is three brooded, appearing in April, July, and 

 September. 



Remarks. — At Cabin John on July 25, 1926, I caught a specimen 

 (pi. 16, fig. 3) with the wings of the right side male and those of the 

 left side female. A figure of this curious individual was published 

 in 1927. This is the only known instance of this condition among 

 the skippers. 



Genus CATIA Godman and Salvin 

 CATIA OTHO EGEBEMET (Scudder) 



Plate 21, Figures 6, 7 



Occurrence. — Common throughout the District, occurring in open 

 fields. Mr. Shoemaker has taken this butterfly in the District, there 

 are two specimens from the District in the Schonborn collection, and 

 I have specimens from the meadows at Cabin John, taken June 2 and 

 30. 1929, July 29, 1928, and from Silver Spring, taken August 14, 

 1927. 



Remarks. — This species is probably double-brooded in the District, 

 for while it is worn and faded, though still numerous, at the end 

 of July, fresh specimens are on the wing again the middle of August. 

 Mr. Scudder has noted that it is less vigorous and bustling than most 

 skippers. It appears rather inert and stupid, and when startled it 

 seldom flies for more than a short distance. 



Genus ATRYTONE Scudder 



ATRYTONE LOGAN LOGAN (Edwards) 



Plate 19, Figures 4 to 9 



Occurrence. — Not very common. I have specimens taken in the 

 fields beyond Cabin John on August 8, 1926, and in meadows at 

 Riverdale on July 23, 1928. It is to be looked for in damp places. 



