186 



THE BUTTERFLIES OF NEW ENGLAND. 



The food of the caterpilhir is grass, though Abbott, wlio bred it, says 

 distinctly that it " feeds on the sugar berry," Celtis occidentalis. 



Habits, flight, etc. Gosse (Lett. Alab., 122) says of this butterfly : 



It is interesting from its social and gamesome habits. A particular individual will 

 frequent the foot of a particular tree for many successive days, contrary to the roam- 

 ing habits of butterflies in general. Hence he will sally out on any other passing but- 

 terfly, either of his OAvn or of another species ; and, after performing sundry circumvolu 

 tions, retire to his chosen post of observation again. Occasionally I have seen another 

 butterfly of the same species, after having had his amicable tustle, take likewise a 

 stand on a neighboring spot; and after a feAV minutes' rest, both would simultaneously 

 rush to the conflict, like knights at a tournament, and wheel and roll about in the air 

 as before. Then each Avould return to his own place w^ith the utmost precision, and 

 presently renew the "passage of arms" with the same result, for very many times in 

 succession. 



Its general flight seems to me to be similar to that of Cercyonis alope, 

 but less languid, the wings closing back to back with something of a snap. 



When resting, hanging to the under surface of an object, the costal 

 edges of the fore wings are at right angles to the surface, slightly in advance 

 of those of the hind wings, and the wings parted at an angle of about 30°, 

 the antennae a little advanced and more widely spread, as far as I recollect 

 the last, some weeks after observation. 



Desiderata. This butterfly is so rare in New England, that in order to 

 become properly acquainted with its history and distribution, every speci- 

 men taken should be put upon record, its place and time of capture, its sex 

 and condition noted ; particular search should be made in the Connecticut 

 Valley, while other places should not be neglected. The somewhat con- 

 fusing accounts of its times of appearance in the south and its long con- 

 tinued season at the north indicate some peculiarities of larval or pupal 

 life which are unknown, and to which most careful attention should be 

 paid. Does the caterpillar ever feed on Celtis ? No parasites are known. 



LIST OF ILLUSTBATIONS.—ENODIA POBTLANDIA. 



