226 



MOTHS AND BUTTERFLIES. 



ous black markings are distributed over the wings as shown in the 

 figure. On the outer tbird of both sets of wings is a wide, liglit 

 area of yeUow, wbich in tlie upper wings takes the form of a broad 

 l)and, brandling at the top. In the lower wings this yellow band 

 blends into the other colors of the wing about half-way across from 

 the upper margin. Tlie under side of both sexes is much the same 

 and is often a grayish brown, which harmonizes with the bark of 

 trees upon which the insects often aliglit. Tliis color of the under 

 side is very variable, and specimens may be found varying from 

 light grayish brown to a deep red brown. The caterpillar is a 

 curious looking creature, ta})ering l)otli ways from the middle, par- 

 ticularly toward the posterior end. The liead is of good size, and, 



Papbia tioglodyta. Female. 



when the animal is extended, it is seen to have quite a neck, re- 

 minding one in this respect of the larva of the Hesperidce. In color 

 it is bluish green, and the sui'face of its body is rough, being cov- 

 ered with fine wliitish points. Its food [)laiit is the goat-weed. The 

 clirysalis is short and thick, and varies in color from light greenish to 

 greenish brown. 



This butterfly I have seen in many places in the west during July 

 and August. It is a strong and ra[)id flyer, and were it as war^- as 

 it is active, it would be a dii'licult insect to capture. It frequently 

 alights on the topmost twig of a Imsh, or on a fence post, where it 

 can have an unobstructed view of all about, ami from this retreat it 

 sallies forth to meet and o-ive battle to each intruder on its chosen 



