second and third median nervules. This, when present, is pearly white or silvery in color. 

 Structurally these insects differ most markedly from the preceding genus in the enlarged second 

 and the fine very sharp third joint of the palpi. Eggs higher than wide, slightly ribbed on top, 

 pitted below, giving them a thimble-like appearance. Caterpillars cylindrical, with rows of 

 short tubercles, much shorter than the spines in Melitcea, dark in color, marked with paler 

 longitudinal stripes. Chrysalis with head slightly bifid, generally pale in color, blotched 

 with brown. 



Numerous species occur in Central and South America, but only about a dozen in the 

 United States and Canada, most of them in the Southwestern States. 



(1) Phyciodes nycteis Doubleday and Hewitson, Plate XXI, Fig. 2, cT (Nycteis). 

 Easily mistaken on the wing for Melitcea harrisi, which it closely resembles on the upper 



side, and with which it is often found flying, but an examination of the under side at once 

 reveals the difference. The redder fore wings, paler hind wings, and the crescent on the lower 

 outer border of these are marks which cannot be mistaken. Expanse o 71 , 1.25-1.65 inch; 9 , 

 1.65-2.00 inches. 



Ranges from Maine to the Carolinas and westward to the Rocky Mountains. 



(2) Phyciodes tharos (Drury), Plate XXII, Fig. 1, d". Variety marcia Edwards, Plate 

 XXII, Fig. 2, c? (The Pearl Crescent). 



A very common little butterfly, which everybody must have noticed in late spring or early 

 summer flitting about lawns and gardens, and in fall abounding upon clumps of asters. It 

 may easily be recognized from the figures given. Expanse from 1.25-1.65 inch. The variety 



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