nymphalid.t:. 273 



The lower wings, however, are quite dark, being almost black except 

 near their base, while the under side of the insect is frequently dark 

 purplish gray with wide irregular bands of brown. 



The silvery spot is quite conspicuous in this form, as the dark 

 color surrounding it l)rings it into prominence. 



There are two broods in a season, one in June, and the other, 

 Avhich is much the larger, in September. The butterfly frequently 

 hibernates during the winter, and, like Vanessa antiopa^ makes its 

 appearance early in the s[)ring. 



Grapta iiiterrogatioiiis. Under side. 



The caterpillar is brown with light yellowish mottlings, and a 

 yellow stripe low down on each side. The branching spines with 

 which its body is armed are yellowish tipped with black. It feeds 

 on the hop, and in some localities does considerable damage. The 

 elm is also attacked by it, particularly tlie young trees, 1>ut I have 

 never seen it in sufficient nundjers to do tlieni any great injury. 



The clnysalis is light l)rown with a slight purplish tinge and has 

 several silvery or golden spots on the back. It is angular and spiny, 

 with projections like ears on the anterior end, and a sharp ridge at 

 the back of the thorax. 



Like many other butterflies, this species is very partial to half- 

 decayed sweet fruits, and is often seen with other kinds in autumn 

 in pear and peach orchards. It is an easy insect to rear in confine- 

 ment, but greatly subject to the attacks of parasites. 



Several other species of the genus G-rajyfa are plentiful in the 



