This genus, which has by some writers been sunk into the genus Euptychia, Hübner, is quite extensive. Nearly two hundred species are included in Euptychia, which is enormously developed in the tropical regions of the New World. Seven species of Neonympha are found within the region of which this book treats.
(1) Neonympha gemma, Hübner, Plate XXV, Fig. 2, ♂, under side (The Gemmed Brown).
Butterfly.—Upon the upper side the wings are pale mouse-gray, with a couple of twinned black spots on the outer margin of the hind wings. On the under side the wings are reddish-gray, marked with irregular ferruginous lines. Near the outer margin of the hind wings is a row of silvered spots, the spots corresponding in location to the dark marginal spots being expanded into a violet patch marked in the middle by a twinned black spot centered with silver. Expanse, 1.25-1.35 inch.
Early Stages.—These have been beautifully described and figured by Edwards in the third volume of "The Butterflies of North America."
The egg is somewhat globular, rather higher than wide, flattened at the base, and marked with numerous shallow reticulated depressions. The caterpillar of the spring brood is pale green, of the fall brood pale brown, marked respectively with numerous longitudinal stripes of darker green or brown. It has two long, elevated, horn-like projections upon the head, and on the anal segment two similar projections pointing straight backward. The chrysalis is small, green, or brown, strongly bifid at the head. The caterpillar feeds on grasses.
The insect ranges from West Virginia to Mexico.
(2) Neonympha henshawi, Edwards, Plate XXV, Fig. 8, ♂ (Henshaw's Brown).
Butterfly.—Much like N. gemma, but considerably larger and decidedly reddish upon the upper side of the wings. Expanse, 1.65 inch.
Early Stages.—Mr. Edwards has figured the egg, which is different in shape from that of the preceding species, being broader than high, subglobular, flattened broadly at the base, green in color, and almost devoid of sculpturings upon its surface. Of the other stages we know nothing.
Henshaw's Butterfly ranges through southern Colorado into Mexico.