The caterpillar feeds upon Celtis occidentalis. Three species are reckoned as belonging to our fauna. It is, however, doubtful whether these species are in reality such, and there is reason to believe that the three are merely varietal forms or races, no structural difference being apparent in any of them, and the only differences consisting in the ground-color of the wings.
(1) Libythea bachmanni, Kirtland, Plate XXVIII, Fig. 1, ♂; Fig. 2, ♂, under side; Plate V, Figs. 23, 24, chrysalis (The Snout-butterfly).
Butterfly.—Easily distinguished from the following species by the redder color of the light spots on the upper side of the wings. Expanse, 1.75 inch.
Early Stages.—The generic description must suffice for these. They have been frequently described.
The butterfly ranges from New England and Ontario southward and westward over the whole country as far as New Mexico and Arizona.
(2) Libythea carinenta, Cramer, Plate XXVIII, Fig. 3, ♂ (The Southern Snout-butterfly).
Butterfly.—Much like the preceding species, but readily distinguished from it by the paler yellowish-fulvous light markings of the upper side of the wings. Expanse, 1.75 inch.
Early Stages.—These have not been carefully described as yet.
L. carinenta ranges from New Mexico into South America.