LYCiENIDiE. 
207 
and the lower part of the lower wings is occupied by a large patch of 
rusty brown. This color is wanting in the male, except on the lower 
wings near the lower angle. The margin of the upper wing is com¬ 
posed of a yellowish fringe, black dotted, and the projections on the 
lower wings are black with a yellowish fringe between them. The 
Thecla niplion. 
under side of the wings is reddish brown with numerous reddish, 
black and white lines and spots covering their surfaces, arranged in 
a zigzag pattern, the detail of which may be better understood by 
reference to the illustration than by any written description. The 
effect is pleasing and is probably protective, rendering the butterfly 
Thecla niplion. Under side. 
less easily seen by its enemies. This butterfly makes its appearance 
early in the season, and in the latter part of April and early in May 
is to be met with on warm days along roads or paths, through forests 
or tracts of scrub oaks and pines. It is a lively little creature, like so 
many other members of this interesting genus, and may frequently 
be seen in numbers of three or four chasing each other about in the 
warm sunshine. When at rest, on account of its resemblance to a 
fragment of dried leaf, it is not easily seen, and one must work 
quickly to take it with the net as it flits past. The larva feeds on 
the pine and is green in color with a white stripe on each side, and 
