NYMPHALlDyE. 



293 



This insect is one which is nearly alwa3'S })lentiful (luring its 

 season, and does not seem to have its seasons of scarcity like so 

 many species. Tlie western species seem to be finer and larger 

 than those found in the east, and the flowers along railroads 

 or on the banks of livers may almost be said to swai'in with it at 

 times. The larva is dark colored and spiny, and like others of the 

 genus lives on violets, feeding by night and hiding close to the 



Argyiinis cybele. Female. 



roots of the plant during tlie daytime. The half-grown larva 

 passes the winter in a dormant state and completes its growth the 

 next spring. 



This butterfly has a rather wide range, being found in tlie 

 eastern, middle and western states as far west as the great plains 

 and north into Canada. 



Closely related to Argynnis cyhele is Argynnls aphrodite^ and at 

 tlie first glance the two species would be thought the same. The 

 latter, liowever, is smaller and usually somewliat darker and 

 richer in coloring. This darker coloring is best seen from the 

 under side. 



The 3'ellow band following the outei' margin of the lower 



