THE MEADOW-BROWNS 



the middle of the outer surface of the hind wings there is a 

 large oval patch composed of white and reddish-brown scales; 

 in the outer edge of the patch are four rounded cinnamon- 

 brown spots, heavily necked with white scales. Expanse of 

 wings one and one-fourth to one and three-eighths inches. 



Caterpillar. — Color of body green or brown marked with 

 darker lengthwise stripes. The tubercles on the head and 

 last segment of the abdomen are long. 



Food-plant. — Grass. 



Some butterflies, like some people, are more 

 remarkable for what they are not than for what 

 they are. This is true of the gemmed brown 

 when seen from above ; for it is just a little 

 plain, mouse-brown butterfly, and that is all. 

 But on the lower side of the hind wings we find 

 where this little Quaker keeps the gems that give 

 it its name ; near the margin are four small 

 sepia-brown spots with shining centers set in 

 ivory, bordered outside with pearl that shimmers 

 and gleams with a luster almost metallic. The 

 thrill of surprise one feels in discovering this 

 exquisite decoration on such a dull insect is one 

 of the experiences that renders the work of the 

 butterfly lover never monotonous. 



The gemmed brown is a Southern species 

 ranging from Mexico to Virginia. It is double- 

 brooded ; the caterpillars of the spring brood are 

 preen, while those of the fall brood are brown in 



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