(1) Eudamus proteus, Linnæus, Plate XLV, Fig. 6, ♁; Plate II, Fig. 34, larva; Plate VI, Fig. 23, chrysalis (The Long-tailed Skipper).
[a]Fig. 152.]—Neuration of the genus Eudamus.
Butterfly.—The upper side of the wings is brown, glossed with green at the base of both wings. The spots on the primaries of both sexes are alike, and are well represented in the plate. On the under side the wings are pale brown; the primaries are marked as on the upper side; the secondaries have the anal portion and the tail dark brown; in addition they are crossed by a short dark band at the end of the cell, and another similar but longer postmedian band, which does not quite reach the costa and loses itself below in the dark shade which covers the anal portion of the wing. About the middle of the costa of the hind wings are two small subquadrate black spots. Expanse, 1.60-1.75 inch.
Early Stages.—The plates give us representations based upon Abbot's drawings of the mature caterpillar and the chrysalis. The student who desires to know more may consult the pages of Scudder's "Butterflies of New England." The caterpillar feeds upon leguminous plants, especially upon the Wistaria and various species of Clitoria (Butterfly-pea). It makes a rude nest for itself by drawing two of the leaves together with strands of silk.
The species is tropical and is found all over the tropics and subtropical regions of the New World, but ranges northward along the Atlantic sea-coast, being occasionally found as far north as New York City, where it has been taken in Central Park.
Genus PLESTIA, Mabille
Butterfly.—The club of the antennæ is flattened, sickle-shaped, terminating in a fine point. The male has a costal fold upon the fore wing. The lower radial is nearer to the upper radial than to the third median nervule. The hind wing is produced into a short tail. The fifth vein is wanting.
Early Stages.—Unknown.
This genus is peculiar to Mexico and Central America. But one species is found within our limits, and is confined to Arizona.