84 PROCEEDINGS OP THE CALIFORNIA 



Dr. Behr presented the following article : 



On Calif ornian Lepidoptera— No. III. 



BY n. BEHR, M. D. 



The following species of butterflies were mostly collected by the members of 

 the State Geological Survey, among the higher regions of the Sierra Nevada ; 

 but some of them are from other portions of California. 



Danais, Latr. 

 1. Danais Arcliippus, Cramer. 



This species was found everywhere, both on the plains and at the highest 

 elevations, up to the limits of Lepidopterous life, 10,500 feet above the level 

 of the sea. The specimens caught in the Sierra were in a poor condition, and 

 differed remarkably in habits from those found near San Francisco Bay. Like 

 most Dauaids, ours is rather a lazy and heavy butterfly, gifted it is true with 

 great power of flight, which is showu not by swiftness, but by perseverance. 

 It is however quite easily caught. But according to the statement of Mr. 

 Hoffman, of the Geological Survey, this same Danais was on the mountain 

 summits so restless and active that although very common, only two specimens 

 could be obtained. 



We consider these specimens as something like " enfans perdus," of an other- 

 wise respectable family, led away by an innate desire to strive against the 

 current. Thus they struggle against the mountain breeze until finally they 

 reach the bleak heights of the Sierra, where such tropical forms contrast strik- 

 ingly with the alpine flora. 



Argynnis, Fabr. 



2. Argynnis montivaga, Behr, n. sp. [Argynnis, No. 4. Proc. Cal. 



Acad. II, 18G2, p. 174.] 



If, as I strongly suspect, this species is still undescribed, I propose for it the 



above name. It is not found near this bay, but seems to be widely spread 



through the Sierra from whence I have specimens collected at different localities. 



Those obtained by the Geological Survey are from an elevation of 10,500 feet. 



3. Argynnis rupestris, Behr, n. sp. [No. 6 of former article.] 

 To the diagnosis formerly given I add the following character : 

 Margo anterior alarum anteriorum subtus quam disco pallidior. 



The saturated coloration of the radical half of the hind wings, is not always 

 equal in its extent beyond the middle macular fascia, so that the diagnosis of No. 

 9 is in some respects near enough to cause confusion, if it were not that in No. 

 9 the anterior margin of the forewings is always decidedly darker than the disk, 

 furnishing a good diagnostic character. In general aspect they differ enough to 

 be recognized at the first glance, but it is very difficult to describe the other 

 differences. 



The name I propose for No. 6, is derived from its .inhabiting the steep rocky 

 declivities characterizing the lower part of the Sierra. The specimens were 

 collected by Prof. Brewer at a moderate elevation above the sea. 



4. Argynnis monticola, Behr, n. sp. [No. 8 of the former article.] 



This species was found in Yosemite Yalley and some other localities, being 

 apparently not rare. 



