THE TRIBE OF THE BLUES 265 



The Silvery Blue 



Nomiades lygdamus 



It would be a distinct privilege to work out the life- 

 history of this exquisite little butterfly. Although the adult 

 was described as long ago as 1842, the early stages seem 

 to be still unknown. The species occurs in the South 

 Atlantic states, extending west as far as Wisconsin. 



Synopsis of the Blues 



Tailed Blue {Everes comyntas or Lycaena comyntas). 

 Wing expanse 1 inch or less. A slender tail projecting 

 from each hind wing. Upper wing surface of varying 

 tones of blue, the males lighter than the females. Lower 

 wing surface grayish white with scattered spots. 



Scudder's Blue {Rusticus scudderi or Lycaena scudderi). 

 Wing expanse 1 inch or less. No tails on hind wings. 

 Eyes without hairs. Upper wing surface blue; female has 

 dusky margins on front wings and an orange border with 

 blackish spots near outer margin of the hind wings. 

 Lower wing surface bluish gray with many small spots. 



Silvery Blue {Nomiades lygdamus or Lycaena lygdamus). 

 Wing expanse 1 inch. No tails on hind wings. Eyes 

 hairy. Upper wing surface silvery blue with dusky mar- 

 gins which are broader in the female. Lower wdng sur- 

 face ashy gray with many darker spots. 



Spring Azure {Cyaniris ladon or Lycaena ladon) . Wing 

 expanse 1 inch. No tails on hind wings. Eyes hairy. 

 Upper wing surface azure blue with black border markings 

 varying greatly, more pronounced in the female. Lower 

 wing surface slaty brown with many darker spots. 



