NYMPHALID.E. 225 



same time letting go below, and by repeating this process with differ- 

 ent rings in succession, it at length reaches the tuft of silk, entangles 

 its hooks among the threads, and then hangs suspended without 

 furtlier risk of falling. It next contrives to dislodge the cast cater- 

 pillar skin by whirling itself around re])eatedly, till tlie old skin is 

 finally loosened from its attachment and falls to the ground. The 

 whole of this operation, difficult as it may seem, is performed in the 

 space of a very few minutes, and rarely does this insect fail to accom- 

 plish it successfully and safely." 



So rapidly is a part of this process performed, particularly the 

 withdrawing of the tail of the cluysalis from the caterpillar skin and 

 the climbing up and fastening of its hooks in the mat of silk, that 

 one can scarcely understand how it is done until he has seen it over 

 and over again. 



The genus Papkia is confined to the American continent, and 

 most of the species are from Central and South America. The 

 upper wings are pointed, and the lower pair is usually adorned with 

 a narrow tail on each wing. Many of the s[)ecies are richly colored 

 with purplish brown, pinkish brown, Ijluisli black, greenish black, 

 etc. ; but not many are brilliant in comparison Avith those of other 

 tropical butterflies. 



Paphia troglodyta. Male. 



A fine insect, found throughout the western and southwestern 

 states, is Paplda troglodyta. In color the male is copper red, the 

 outer margin of the wings being brownish on the n[)per pair and 

 blackish on the lower. The female is not so bright a red, and numer- 



