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The Bronze Copper

Chrysophanus thoe (Chrys-o-pha'nus tho'e) PLATE XXXVI, FIG. 3, 4 In the male the wings are coppery brown above, spotted with black, and with a broad orange-red band on the outer margin of the hind wings; below, the front wings are very pale orange, and the hind wings gray, both spotted with black, the hind wings with an orange band on outer maring. The female differs in having the front wings orange-red above with prominent black spots, and in being of a brighter orange below than in the male. Expanse of wings one and one-half inches or more.

CATERPILLAR.-Slug-shaped, nearly an inch long. Color Color of body bright yellowish green, with a dark green stripe down the back.

Food-plants. Curled dock, some species of knotweed, prickly ash, etc.

The female of this species looks like a giant American copper; the male has reddish-brown wings except for a marginal border of orange on the hind pair. The bronze copper is a rare in sect although it occurs from the Connecticut Valley westward to Nebraska. Perhaps because it is a giant of its kind it is more unwieldy in flight than are its smaller relatives. It is fond of goldenrod, and finds the flowers of the Canada thistle an attractive lounging-place. It frequents damp places in meadows and may be found here and there in salt marshes along the coast. It is dou. ble-brooded, and winters as an egg.

The butterflies yellow, As caught in an eddy Of air's silent ocean, Sink, wander and steady O'er the goat's-beard and asters, Like souls of dead flowers, With aimless emotion Still lingering unready To leave their old bowers.