acker] STUDY OF MOTHS AND BUTTERFLIES 341 



band on the outer margin of the wings. It is very timid. If 

 one approaches, it makes believe it is dead, probably paralyzed 

 with fear, and can be picked up in the fingers and thrown around. 

 I have wondered if this is a means of protection for it is most 

 unusual. They are the first butterflies to wake up in the spring, 

 coming forth from their sleeping quarters on the sunny side of a 

 fence, or an old tree, or some warm nook, early in March. I have 

 heard reports of them being seen in February but have never 

 had the pleasure of seeing them before March. They make 

 charming little pets in the house during the winter and are easily 

 kept. They thrive on a diet of sugar and water, or a piece of 

 apple dipped in water sweetened with sugar or honey. It is a 

 great imitator, hence its great numbers. "When at rest it folds 

 its wings, which are mottled, over its back and becomes quite 

 inconspicuous as it imitates its surroundings. The male is said 

 to be a musician, emitting musical sounds when he goes courting. 

 I have never heard it but I like to think it is so — it makes a 

 pretty fairy-like story. 



Another butterfly that always gives me much pleasure is 

 Hunter's butterfly (Pyrameis huntera). The under part of its 

 wings is beautifully marbled in brown and gray, the fore wings 

 have an exquisite spot of lemon or old rose which is completely 

 concealed when the insect is at rest. In fact it is difficult to 

 distinguish it from the silvery grey bark of the trees upon which 

 it rests. Naturalists call this protective coloring. It has a wing 

 expanse of about two inches. There is a very- close relative, the 

 Painted Lady (Pyrameis cardui). The two butterflies are marked 

 much alike but are readily distinguished by the large round 

 spots on the under wings of the P. huntera. The larva of the 

 Painted lady feeds on thistles, marshmallow, everlasting and 

 hollyhock, while the P. cardui feeds on the everlasting. 



Among the prettiest of the medium-sized butterflies is the 

 Buckeye (Junonia coenia). It is quite unique in its markings. 

 The large spots on the wings suggest peacock-eyes. They are 

 a swift low-flying insect, darting about quickly and are ever ready 

 for a quarrel. Their ill-nature is directed toward other species. 

 They dash at passing butterflies and fight them away. 



The butterfly that I have found most difficult to capture is the 

 Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio turnus). The tops of the highest trees 

 are their favorite spots. I chased one at Collingswood, at intervals 



