Part 66 (2/2)

_b.u.t.terfly._--This little species, the upper side of which in both s.e.xes is correctly shown in the plate, has the under side of the wings dark brown, with the light spots of the upper side greatly enlarged, especially upon the disks of the wings, fused, and pale yellow, thus contrasting strongly with the rest of the wings. Expanse, ?, 1.00 inch; ?, 1.25 inch.

_Early Stages._--These are not thoroughly known as yet. The larva feeds on gra.s.ses.

Peck's Skipper ranges from Canada southward to Virginia, and west to Kansas and Iowa.

(2) =Polites mardon=, Edwards, Plate XLVII, Fig. 26, ? (The Oregon Skipper).

_b.u.t.terfly._--On the under side the wings are pale gray, with the light spots of the primaries and a curved median band of spots on the secondaries whitish. Expanse, ?, 1.10 inch; ?, 1.20 inch.

_Early Stages._--Unknown.

The only specimens I have, including the types, were taken in Oregon and Was.h.i.+ngton.

(3) =Polites sabuleti=, Edwards, Plate XLVII, Fig. 42, ?; Fig. 43, ?

(The Sand-hill Skipper).

_b.u.t.terfly._--Small, the male on the upper side looking like a diminutive and darkly bordered _phylaeus_. On the under side the wings are paler than on the upper side; the still paler spots of the discal areas are defined outwardly and inwardly by elongated dark spots.

Expanse, 1.00-1.10 inch.

_Early Stages._--Unknown.

The habitat of this species is California.

Genus HYLEPHILA, Billberg

_b.u.t.terfly._--The antennae are very short, scarcely one third the length of the costa of the fore wing; the club is robust and short, with a very minute crook at the end; the palpi are as in the two preceding genera.

The neuration of the wings is represented in the cut.

_Early Stages._--As yet but partially known.

The larva feeds on gra.s.ses, and the mature form has been figured by Abbot, a copy of whose drawing is given by Dr. Scudder in Plate 77 of ”The b.u.t.terflies of New England.”

[Ill.u.s.tration FIG. 170.--Neuration of the genus _Hylephila_, enlarged.]

(1) =Hylephila phylaeus=, Drury, Plate XLVI, Fig. 18, ?; Fig. 19, ?; Plate VI, Fig. 39, _chrysalis_ (The Fiery Skipper).

_b.u.t.terfly._--The upper side is correctly shown in the plate. On the under side the wings are pale yellow, with a few small, round spots on the margin and disk of the hind wings, a black patch at the base, large black marginal spots, and a central, interrupted, longitudinal black streak on the disk of the primaries. Expanse, 1.15-1.25 inch.

The insect ranges from Connecticut to Patagonia, over all the most habitable parts of the New World. I have taken it frequently in southern Indiana, where I often have collected in recent years.

Genus PRENES, Scudder

_b.u.t.terfly._--The antennae are short, not half the length of the costa.

The head is broad, and the antennae are inserted widely apart. The club is moderate, terminating in a fine point which is bent back at right angles, forming a distinct crook. The abdomen is long and slender, but does not project beyond the hind margin of the secondaries. The fore wings are pointed at the apex and are relatively longer and narrower than in the preceding genus. The neuration is ill.u.s.trated in the cut.

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