NYMPHALID.E. 223 



their markings, some having much larger and darker eye-spots than 

 otliers. 



The Larva feeds upon grasses, and is cylindrical in shape, taper- 

 ing towards both ends, the posterior being forked into two short tails. 

 It is greenish yellow in color, striped with yellow and dark green. 

 The chrysalis is green and smooth, and is often attaclied to the stems 

 or blades of the grass on which the larva has fed. 



NYMPHALIDM. 



Aiujle Wiiiijs. Silver ajwts. 



The great family of Nynvplialida' contains a larger number of 

 species and genera than an}- other group of bntterflies. It comprises 

 many good sized and beautiful insects, and most of our well-known 

 and showy specimens belong to this gi'oup. The family has a world- 

 wide range, members Ijelonging to it being found in ever}^ country on 

 the earth. Mau}^ of tlie individual species have a wide geographical 

 distribution, several being well known in half the inhabited regions 

 of the globe. Many of the larvae of these butterflies are covered with 

 spines or stout bristles, while others are adorned with fleshy fila- 

 ments. The chrysalis is stout, and is suspended from a patch of silk 

 by the posterior end of the Ijody, without the thread of silk which 

 passes around the body of the chrysalis of the Papilionida'. A large 

 number of the chrysalides are angular, some being adorned with 

 stout, sharp pointed sjjines or projections, while others are compara- 

 tively smooth. Some are beautifull)' marked with golden or silvery 

 spots, and are a delight to look upon. The chrysalis stage usually 

 lasts about two weeks, depending largel}^ on the temperature. 



The btitterflies of this group are many of them active, rapid flying 

 insects, with stout bodies, and frequently colored in a brilliant and 

 striking manner. The}' have but four well developed legs, the 

 forward pair being aborted and of very little use to the insect. A 

 deep groove on the lowei' wings partly encloses the abdomen on 

 either side. 



In his excellent work on '^ Insects Injurious to Vegetation," Mr. 

 Harris describes the way in which a caterpillar of tins family sheds 

 its skin and becomes a chrysalis, in such a complete and beautifully 

 written manner, that I have concluded to insert it here instead of 

 descril)ing the process in my own words. He says of the NipHpha- 

 lidce : ''Their caterpillars, when about to transform, do not make a 



