226 
MOTHS AND BUTTERFLIES. 
ous black markings are distributed over the wings as shown in the 
figure. On the outer third of both sets of wings is a wide, light 
area of yellow, which in the upper wings takes the form of a broad 
band, branching at the top. In the lower wings this yellow band 
blends into the other colors of the wing about half-way across from 
the upper margin. The under side of both sexes is much the same 
and is often a grayish brown, which harmonizes with the bark of 
trees upon which the insects often alight. This color of the under 
side is very variable, and specimens may be found varying from 
light grayish brown to a deep red brown. The caterpillar is a 
curious looking creature, tapering both ways from the middle, par¬ 
ticularly toward the posterior end. The head is of good size, and, 
Paphia troglodyta. Female. 
when the animal is extended, it is seen to have quite a neck, re¬ 
minding one in this respect of the larva of the Hesperidce. In color 
it is bluish green, and the surface of its bod } 7 is rough, being cov¬ 
ered with fine whitish points. Its food plant is the goat-weed. The 
chrysalis is short and thick, and varies in color from light greenish to 
greenish brown. 
This butterfly I have seen in many places in the west during July 
and August. It is a strong and rapid flyer, and were it as wary as 
it is active, it would be a difficult insect to capture. It frequently 
alights on the topmost twig of a bush, or on a fence post, where it 
can have an unobstructed view of all about, and from this retreat it 
sallies forth to meet and give battle to each intruder on its chosen 
