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The Dun Skipper (Euphyes vestris Eu'phy-es)
Euphyes vestris (Eu'phy-es ves'tris) PLATE XLII, FIG. 3, 4, 5, 6 This is a dark glossy brown species either without light markings or with a few small spots, and in which the terminal crook of the antennæ is longer than the width of the club. In the male of the typical form there are no whitish or 2 tawny spots on the wings either above or below; the brand is velvety black and consists of two patches slightly separated by vein Cu. In the female there are two whitish or yellow spots on the fore wings: one in cell M, and a smaller one in cell M₂. The Metacomet Form, Euphyes vestris metacomet. - This differs from the typical form by a slightly greater amount of light markings, and was long considered a distinct species. On the fore wings of the female there are, in addition to the two spots in cells M₂ and M₃, two smaller ones in cells R and R.; and on the lower side of the hind wings there is a transverse row of light spots faintly indicated beyond the middle of the wing. 5 Metacomet was the Indian name of the celebrated King Philip, and was given to this form by Harris, who considered it a distinct species.
It is widely distributed in the Mississippi Valley and in the Northern States.