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The Tailed Blue

Everes comyntas (E-ve'res co-myn'tas) PLATE XXXVII, FIG. 7, 8, 9 The possession of taillike prolongations of the hind wings distinguishes this butterfly from the other blues occurring in our Eastern fauna. The males are dark purplish violet above bordered with brown, the females dark brown, sometimes flecked with bluish scales. In both sexes there are several black spots and one or two orange crescents on the outer margin of the hind wings. Beneath, the wings are whitish gray, and marked somewhat like the lighter forms of the preceding species, except in the presence of orange crescents near the anal angle of the hind wings. Expanse of wings about one inch. , CATERPILLAR.-Length one-third of an inch; slug-shaped. Head very small and black. Body downy, dark green in color with a dusky stripe down the back, and faint oblique markings along the sides of similar color.

Food-plants. Flowers of clover and other legumes.

This species has much purple in its changeable wings, but it is hidden under brown in the wings of the female. The tail, which gives the name to the species, is the merest black thread, but its tip is white and it is much more impressive when viewed through a lens. The tailed blue is in possession of the greater part of America from the Atlantic to the Pacific, from the Isthmus to the British dominions. It loves overgrown roads and paths, the more neglected the better. It has a rapid, nervous flight and alights frequently. rapid are its maneuvers in the air that the eye can not follow it. The caterpillar likes best the flowers of its food-plant, and especially enjoys boring into the calyx, although it has been observed feeding upon the terminal leaves of clover. The species is triple-brooded.

Bubble, bubble flows the stream, Like a song heard in a dream.

A white-faced hornet hurtles by, Lags a turquoise butterfly- One intent on prey and treasure, One afloat on tides of pleasure !

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