Genus ACHALARUS, Scudder
Butterfly.—The antennæ and palpi are as in the preceding genus. The neuration is represented in the cut. The hind wing is slightly lobed at the anal angle; the fore wing may or may not be provided with a costal fold.
(1) Achalarus lycidas, Smith and Abbot, Plate XLV, Fig. 10, ♁, under side; Plate II, Fig. 23, larva; Plate VI, Fig. 21, chrysalis (The Hoary-edge).
Butterfly.—The general appearance of the upper side of the wings strongly recalls E. tityrus, but the hoary edge of the secondaries and the absence of the broad median silvery spot found in tityrus at once serve to discriminate the two forms. Expanse, 1.65-1.95 inch.
Early Stages.—What is known of them may be ascertained by consulting the pages of "The Butterflies of New England." The caterpillar is found on the leaves of Desmodium (Beggar's-lice).
The insect is rare in southern New England, and ranges thence southward and westward to Texas, being scarce in the Mississippi Valley north of Kentucky, and apparently not ranging west of Missouri.
[a]Fig 156.].—Neuration of the genus Achalarus.
(2) Achalarus cellus, Boisduval and Leconte, Plate XLV, Fig. 12, ♂ (The Golden-banded Skipper).
Butterfly.—The figure in the plate will enable the instant identification of this beautiful species, which, on the under side, has the hind wings banded much as in E. proteus. Expanse, 2.00 inches.