This pretty genus is distinguished from Argynnis (pi. 290.) by- 

 its more slender form, less ample wings and longer palpi, the 

 terminal joint of which is shorter and more robust. The fol- 

 lowing are British species. 



1. M. Euphrosyne L.—Don. 11. 312. — Thalia Enf. Trans, p. 333.— Ste. 



pi. 4. /. 3. This probably is a variety ; and the P. Thalia of 

 Hubner, 11./. 57 and 58. is a similar variety of M. Selene. 



This is a common species on heaths and in woods round London ; in 

 Norfolk, the New Forest, &c. Mr. Dale has found it from the 6th of May 

 to the '27th of June. Lewin states that it appeared as early as the middle 

 of April. It is said there is a second brood towards autumn in some 

 places. 



The Rev, C. S. Bird has a variety nearly white and rather transparent, 

 which he took in May, and Mr. Kaworth has some very pale varieties 

 taken in September. In the British Museum there is a specimen larger, 

 with the base of the superior wings entirely black. 



2. M. Selene Fab.— Curt. Brit. Ent. pi. 386.— Euphrasia Lew. 

 Common in woods, on heaths and waste grounds. The beginning of last 



June it was in abundance flying amongst fern in the Forest, near Lyndhurst. 

 Mr. Dale has found it from the 29th of May to the 10th of July, when it 

 was much worn. Lewin took it as early as the end of May ; and it is 

 stated that a second brood has been observed in August or September. 

 The caterpillar and chrysalis are copied from Hubner. 



3. M. Cinxia L. — Don. 7. 242. 1.— Delia Hiib. — Pilosellse Esp. 



Rare in meadows on the borders of woods, from the middle of June to 

 the beginning of July. Tottenham Wood, "Wilkes ; Lincolnshire, Ray and 

 Petiver ; Yorkshire, Dulwich, Birch Wood, and near Dartford. Near 

 Dover, Mr. Leplastrier ; Ryde, Isle of Wight, Mr. Sparshall ; near the 

 Sandrock Hotel and Undercliff at the back of the island, Mr. Newman and 

 Mr. Waring. 



4. M. Artemis F. — Bon. 7. 242. 1.— Maturna Esp. 



Swampy places on heaths and sides of mountains, near Ambleside, the 

 middle of June. Mr. Dale has taken it from the 22nd of May to the be- 

 ginning of July. At Enborne he found two fine varieties, one of which is 

 in the British Museum. It has been captured in Monk's Wood ; Beacham- 

 well, Norfolk ; Eriswall, Mildenhall and near Beccles, Suffolk ; near 

 Brighton, Clapham Park, Bedfordshire ; at Glanville's Wooton, and Dart- 

 moor. 



Obs. — The larvae of M. Cinxia and Artemis pass the winter in a silken 

 web, and change to pupas the end of April. 



5. M. Athalia Esp. Och. Goda. — Dictynna Lew. 2>l- 14. /. 5 & 6. — Haw. 



Maturna F.—iaW;. 4. 17- & is'.— Pyronia Hub. pi. 114./. 585.— 

 588. var. — Eos Haw. 35. 43. — Ste. pi. 4./. 1. & 2. This beauti- 

 ful variety was taken by Mr. J. Howard at Peckham, in June. 

 There is a fine variety in the British Museum, and Mr. Hatchet 

 has another. 

 M. Athalia is found on heaths, marshes, &c. the end of May ; in Coombe 

 Wood ; Hartley Wood, Essex ; Apsley Wood, Bedfordshire ; Dartmoor, 

 and near Bideford ; and in Bradley Wood, Devon, by Captain Blomer, 

 as late as the 10th of July. It used to be frequent in Caen Wood, and at 

 Favcrsham. 



The P. tessellata Petiver, jil. 3. /. 11. & 12., and Ste. pi. 5. /. 1. & 2. 

 was formerly pretty common in Caen Wood, the beginning of May, where 

 M. Athalia was common also : I suspect it is only a variety of that 

 species. 



The Plant is Viola liirta (Hairy Violet). Communicated 

 by J. J. Bennett, Esq. 



