THE TRIBE OF THE SMALLER SEIPPERS 281 



The Least Skipper 



Ancyloxipha numitor 



The Least Skipper differs from the other Skippers both 

 in structure and habits. Most of these butterflies have 

 thick bodies and a distinct hook at the end of each antenna. 

 This has a slender body and the antennae lack the hook. 

 Most Skippers have strong wings and show their strength 

 in their rapid, erratic flight. This has feeble wings that 

 show their weakness in their slow, straight flight. But 

 from the fact that it is about the smallest of all our butter- 

 flies, expanding little more than three quarters of an inch, 

 it deserves our interested attention. The tawny wings 

 are so marked with broad margins of dark brown that they 

 show the tawny tinge chiefly in the middle spaces. 



On account of its small size and its retiring habits this 

 little butterfly is often overlooked by all but the most ex- 

 perienced collectors. It generally flies slowly just above 

 the grass in sunny places in wet meadows and along the 

 open margins of brooks and marshes. It rests frequently 

 upon grasses, flowers, or bushes. Mr. Scudder noticed 

 that when resting these butterflies have the curious habit 

 of "moving their antennae in a small circle, the motion of 

 the two alternating; that is, when one is moving in a for- 

 ward direction, the other is passing in a reverse direction." 

 This is the sort of observation that should challenge us aU 

 to sharper wits in watching living butterflies. It would 

 be strange if no others thus twirled their feelers in their 

 leisure moments. Who will find out.'^ 



The female butterflies at least have something to do 

 besides sipping the nectar of flowers or idly twirling their 



