126 



BULLETIN UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA. 



THE GRAY HAIR-STREAK or MELINUS BUTTERFLY, Uranotes melinus 



Figs. 94, 1, and 2. 



Fig. 94. Uranotes melinus; 1, upper; 2, lower side; 3, Incisalia eryphon; 

 4, Thecia saepium. 



Butterfly — Expanse, 1.10 to 1.20 inches, 28 to 30 mm. This butterfly is 

 easily recognized by its slaty upper surface, adorned by a large black spot, 

 crowned with crimson, between tne origin of the two tails of the second- 

 aries. Along the outer margin is a series of more or less distinct pale 

 blue spots. An orange spot at the anal angle: Two slender tails. Under 

 side gray, two black lines crossing both wings, the inner on the hind 

 wings forming a W. The other spots repeated on the under side. 



Early Stages — The larvae are "green, downy caterpillars," feeding on 

 the common hop vine. 



Distribution — Found all over temperate North America, ranging 

 southward into Mexico, at suitable elevations. It has not been found 

 abundantly in the state. Three specimens have been taken at Mis- 

 soula. It has been taken at the University of Montana Biological Station 

 at Flathead lake, but is not plentiful. Wiley has one specimen from 

 Miles City. 



