THE MEADOW-BROWNS 



To the one who delves in butterfly literature it 

 is apparent that the writers evince an interest 

 which borders on affection for the meadow- 

 browns — a personal attitude not accorded to 

 many species far more beautiful in color and in 

 form. This sentiment is expressed first of all in 

 a delightful nomenclature, which appeals to the 

 imagination. Wood-nymphs, satyrs, graylings, 

 and meadow-browns are the various names given 

 to these butterflies whose dull-colored wings are 

 diversified rather than ornamented with blackish 

 eye-spots. Perhaps this favoritism is due to the 

 interesting places where they are found ; for they 

 haunt the open woods and grassy glades and 

 meadows that are fringed with forest mantle and 

 fly aimlessly up and down peaceful bramble- 

 bordered lanes. Their flight Mr. Scudder aptly 

 describes as of peaceful, wavering, dancing char- 

 acter, and not sustained. Their colors are so 

 inconspicuous that they naturally seek protection 

 in hiding rather than in strong flight. 



The caterpillars feed only by night ; they are 

 sluffSfish, and trust to their coloring and form for 

 protection. Their color resembles that of the 

 food-plant ; the body tapers smoothly from the 

 middle toward each end, the forked tail lying close 

 to the leaf or stem, making the insect seem to be 



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