250 BUTTERFLIES 



continuing to eat and grow for nearly six weeks before they 

 reach their full size. These caterpillars are so similar in 

 color that they are diflBcult to see, and they have a remark- 

 able protective device in that the first ring behind the head 

 is developed into a shield which covers the head, hiding it 

 so completely that the movement of the jaws in feeding is 

 effectively concealed. Late in June they change to 

 chrysalids, part of which appear to remain in this con- 

 dition until the following spring, while most of them give 

 forth a second brood of butterflies in July. These butter- 

 flies lay eggs for a second brood of larvae that mature into 

 chrysalids during September, and hibernate in this con- 

 dition until the following spring. Consequently, in the 

 Northern states, the collector should look for fresh speci- 

 mens in May and early June and again in July and early 

 August. 



These butterflies visit various flowers, apparently pre- 

 ferring rather small blossoms, such as those of the Mouse- 

 ear Everlasting, which is in bloom when the first brood 

 is flying, and the various members of the mint family, 

 especially spearmint, as well as the sumacs, which are in 

 bloom when the second brood is on the wing. The time 

 between flower visits seems to be spent at rest upon the 

 red cedar branches, and one of the surest ways to find the 

 butterflies is to give these trees a sudden jar, which starts 

 them into flight. In fact, they may often be seen flying 

 around the tops of the cedars a score of feet from the 

 ground. 



Synopsis of the Hair-streaks 



Great Purple Hair-streak (Atlides halesus or Thecla 

 halesus). Wing expanse If inches. Upper wing surface 



