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MOTHS AND BUTTERFLIES. 



The larva feeds on the hop, nettle and elm, and is light yellowish 

 in color, with whitish spines tipped with black. The chiysalis is 

 also light, varying from almost white with gray mottlings to light 

 grayish brown. It has golden markings on its dorsal side. 



Grapta coniiua. Under side. 



The habitat of the species is the northern part of the eastern lialf 

 of our country, but it also extends into the southern parts of Canada. 

 Like other members of the genus, it is a very active butterfly, and 

 while on the wing its movements are so ra})id that one can hardly 

 follow its eccentric flight with the eye. If frightened away from a 

 favorite retreat it is almost sure to return in a few minutes, and by 

 stealth it may be easily taken. I have seen it very abundant in 

 northern Ohio in August and September, where it is probably double- 

 brooded. It is frequently found about farms and stables, where tlie 

 powerful odors probably attract it. 



A most beautifully mottled insect on the under side is Grapta 

 faimus. The outlines of the wings are more notched, and there is 

 more contrast in the markings of the under side than in any other 

 eastern species of this genus with which I am acquainted. The 

 margins of the wings above are dark, and the spots are heavy and 

 large in proportion to the size of the wings. The under side is 

 brown and gray with several sharp black lines and a number of 

 vaguely defined green spots. The markings are all veiy irregular, 

 and the general effect is like a bit of torn and decayed bark. Mr. 

 Comstock states that " The larva feeds upon black birch, Avillow, cur- 

 rent and wild gooseberry." I liave never seen it, and know nothing 



