LYC.ENID.E. 209 



of tlie larvte are so different from those of other buttei'flies, that it is 

 a group of unusual interest to the collector. Then, too, the life-his- 

 tories of several of the species are still unknown, or only known in a 

 very imperfect manner. On account of their small size, the extreme 

 wariness, and also the rarity of some of the species, careful observa- 

 tion and patience are requisite to their capture and study, but the 

 hours never seem long or the time ill-spent to him who is keenly 

 interested in the pursuit and study of these minute but fascinating 

 creatures. 



The genus Lihytlaea is distinguished by having short angular 

 wings and very long pointed palpi, extending out beyond the head 

 in such a manner that the butterflies belonging to this genus have 

 earned the common names of '' Long beaks " and '■'■ Snout butterflies." 

 The males have but four well-developed legs (thus showing their 

 close relationship to tlie Satyridie and tlie ]Vi/)nj}haUd(i'), while tlie 

 females have six. 



The insects are of different shades of brown, with yellowish and 

 whitish markings. We have but three species in the United States, 

 while but one of these, Libi/tJi<va hacJmianni, inhabits the eastern half 

 of the country. 



Tliis butterfly varies a good deal in coloring, some specimens 

 beinc: much lio'hter and more reddish tlian others. The markings, 

 also, of the under side ai'e distinct and clear cut in some, and very 

 vague in other specimens. 



I have never ol)served this butterfly in New P^ngland, but in the 

 west and soutli it is not rare, and Packard states that it is found in 

 Central America and the West Indies. I have taken it early in 

 August in some numl)ers, at Bates ville, Arkansas. Here, along the 

 pebbly shore of the Wliite Kivei', a good many specimens could be 

 seen, standing witli their wings erect, and sipping the moisture from 

 wet spots in the bed. They were excessively shy and difficult to 

 capture, and when alarmed flew very rapidly, but soon alighted. 

 They did not mingle with the other butterflies, which in places were 

 crowded together in dozens, but always alighted on the water-worn 

 stones well out toward the river. 



The larva is dark green, without s[)ines, but having many liglit 

 yellow points, giving it a rough appearance. According to French, 

 it feeds on the nettle tree (^Oeltis occidentalis), oi^lj o'le Qgg being 

 placed by tlie female to a branch. The chrysalis is bluish green and 

 slightly angular. 



