BUTTERFLIES OF MONTANA. 



15 



with blaclc. There is a marked difference between the females and males, 

 the latter being much whiter with the smoky black confined to the outer 

 border of the wings and the inner edge of the hind wings. There is a 

 black l)ar in the middle of the discal cell of fore wings, another at the 

 outer end of the cell, beyond which is a more or less prominent bar with 

 or without red spots (one or two). The female is much darker, with the 

 whole upper surface of the primaries usually smoky-black hue, slightly 

 transparent, the usual bands being lost in the ground color of the wing. 

 Yellow or pink spots much larger than in the male. 



The variety hermodour is much blacker than smintheus. Both are 

 found in the state. Comparison of specimens from Montana with those 

 from Pike's Peak show the latter to be much smaller, and lighter. As 



Fig. 14. Parnassius smintheus, var. hermodour, female. 



the Pike's Peak specimens are from altitude 12,000 feet and Montana 

 specimens from 3,000 to 7,000 this is to be expected. 



These butterflies are truly Alpine, and fly for but a short season of 

 the year. The lowest altitude at which they have been taken is about 

 3,000 feet near the Biological Station at Flathead lake. At Missoula 

 they are rare, and have not been taken below 5,000 feet, and then in 

 small numbers. They fly lazily but easily. Owing to the fact that they 

 are usually taken at high altitudes their capture results in much fatigue. 

 Often they sail gracefully over a cliff when the pursuer is all but ready 

 for a sweep of the net. In the same locality high eleavtion seems to 

 result in smaller and l)lacker specimens, low elevation in larger and 

 whiter ones. 



Distribution — The University collection contains specimnes from 

 Missoula, Tobacco Root Mountains, Mission Mountains, New Chicago, 

 Madison Lake, Geyser Basin. Flathead Lake, the Swan Range and the 

 National Park. It is found at higher elevations throughout the state, 

 ranging from Colorado to California, Montana to New Mexico. Its north- 

 ern limit is unknown. According to Edwards it has been taken as far 



