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The Mormon
Atrytone hobomok (At-ry-to'ne ho-bo'mok) PLATE XXXIX, FIG. 14, 15, 16 The common name of this species refers to the fact that the female is dimorphic; there being a yellow form, which clearly resembles the male, and a dark brown form, which differs so markedly in appearance that it was first described as a distinct species.
The male and the yellow female closely resemble the male of the preceding species, of which until recently they have been considered a variety. As in that species, the upper surface of the wings is pale yellow, dusky at base, and with the margins, except the costal margin of the fore wings, bordered with blackish brown; there is a black bar at the end of cell R+M of the fore wings, but no brand in the male. The dark markings of the wings are more pronounced than in the zabulon skipper, and on the lower surface of the hind wings the central yellow patch is smaller, covering less than half of the wing. Expanse of wings about one and one-fifth inches. The Dark Female Form, Atrytone hobomok pocahontas.- Both surfaces of wings chiefly dark brown; the fore wings have a row of light spots beyond the middle, and the hind wings have a more or less distinct central patch of lighter color. Occurs from Canada to Mississippi Valley.
Larva feeds on grasses.