BUTTERFLIES OF MONTANA. 



59 



EDWARDS FRITILLARY. 

 Argynnis edwardsii Reakirt, Fig. 48. 



Fig. 48. Argynnis edwardsii, upper and lower surfaces. 



Butterfly — Expanse of wings 2.30-3.00 inches, 55-75 mm. Ground 

 color pale fulvous, but little obscured with fuscous at base; a heavy 

 black border at base; at least heavier than in nevadensis; lighter buff 

 than nevadensis, under side of hind wings with large silver spots, olive 

 brown color; the olivaceous of the wings encroaches on the marginal 

 band. It may be known by its large size, by the long and pointed fore 

 wings, and by the great size of the silver spots that ornament its under 

 side. 



Distribution — According to Holland the species is not uncommon in 

 Montana and Colorado. In Montana it has been taken by Wiley at Miles 

 City, Douglass at New Chicago, and Fish Creek. Collected by Coues in 

 1874 on Chief Mountain. 



Remarks — Attention was called in the introduction to specimens 

 identified by Edwards. One specimen sent by Wiley and another by 

 Elrod from Miles City in different years were identified respectively as 

 nevadensis and edwardsii. When placed side by side they are indis- 

 tinguishable either in size or markings. Larger specimens from low ele- 

 vation are likely to be called edwardsii, smaller ones from higher eleva- 

 tion nevadensis. We believe that experiments in breeding will show the 

 two species to Ije one. 



