NO. 7 THE GOLD-BANDED SKIPPER CLARK 35 



An interesting feature of the molts is the striking uniformity in 

 the sizes at which the various molts take place in different caterpillars. 

 Fifty or more molting caterpillars were measured, and the difiference 

 between any two at the same stage was found to be negligible. 



HABITS OF THE CATERPILLAR 



The caterpillars of this species, like the adults, are more sluggish 

 than the corresponding stage of Epargyreus tityrus or of Achalarus 

 lyciades. If caterpillars of these three species are placed together, 

 those of the last two will be the first to escape. They are also much 

 less excitable, and although they will sometimes on being disturbed 

 spit out a copious green liquid, or turn suddenly and attempt to bite, 

 such actions are very exceptional. Indeed, the placidity of these 

 caterpillars stands in strong contrast to the irritability of the cater- 

 pillars of Epargyreus tityrus. 



The caterpillars remain concealed within their shelters during the 

 day, those in the first three stages clinging to the roof with their head 

 in the apex, those in the last two stages resting on the floor. In the first 

 two stages, especially in the first, they are more or less restless, some- 

 times wandering about within their shelters and occasionally pro- 

 truding the head from under its edge for a second or so, but the 

 larger caterpillars remain quite inert. 



At or just before dusk the caterpillars begin to leave their shelters to 

 feed. Those in the first two stages may be seen crossing to the opposite 

 side of the leaflet, and those in the third stage traveling to another 

 leaflet. The caterpillars in the last two stages appear to be more 

 cautious and to commence feeding later, as none of them were seen in 

 the field outside their shelters. In the house, however, they fed 

 voraciously after dark, consuming wilted and even dry leaves if no 

 fresh leaves were available. 



The caterpillars will live together in harmony under the most 

 crowded and adverse conditions, displaying no tendency toward 

 cannabalism. 



SHELTERS 

 Plate 7, figs. 37-42 



On escaping from the egg, the caterpillar eats away the central 

 portion to within a short distance of the profile of the egg as seen 

 from above. It then protrudes its head, directly upward, for a distance 

 of about 0.5 mm and remains in this position for a few hours without 

 moving. Then somewhat suddenly it crawls from the egg, travels to 

 the edge of the leaf, and begins to construct its first shelter. 

 3 



