PLATE XVIIL 
No. 1.—The Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Butterfly No. 5.—The Pearl-bordered Fritillary Butterfly 
(Argynnis Selene). (Argynnis Euphrosyne). 
No. 2.—The Under side of the Small Pearl-bordered 
Fritillary Butterfly. 
No. 3.—The Caterpillar of the Small Pearl-bordered 
No. 6.—The Under side of the Pearl-bordered 
Fritillary Butterfly. 
Fritillary Butterfly. No. 7.—The Caterpillar of the Pearl-bordered Fritil- 
No. 4.—The Chrysalis of the Small Pearl-bordered lary Butterfly. 
Fritillary Butterfly. 
THE two species of Argynnis represented in this Plate form a very distinct section in the 
genus, being both considerably smaller than any of the other species. They were formerly 
placed in the genus Melita, as according in size and general appearance with the species still 
retained in that genus ; but their metallic markings (entirely absent in the species still regarded 
as belonging to Melitwa) and other characteristic distinctions, have caused their being located in 
their present position. 
Argynnis Selene (the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, No. 1). This species is common, 
though rather local. It is said by some entomologists to be double-brooded, being occasionally 
captured both in May and July, while Mr. Newman states that it appears fifteen days later than 
A. Euphrosyne, and continues till the end of July, after which it never re-appears. Mr. Dale, 
however, describes it as double-brooded, and states that the two broods differ, the second being 
always slightly different in colour to the first. 
The hind wings are generally marked as shown at No. 2, but varieties occur in which the 
under side of the front wings is entirely pale buff, with the black marks very slight and delicate, 
and the hind wings of a greenish tone, with slender rays of the metallic character running 
down between the veins, beyond which are a few metallic spots. 
The Caterpillar (No. 3) should be sought at the end of April or in May, when, in favourable 
situations, it will be found feeding upon the Viola canina, the common Dog Violet. 
The perfect insect quits the Chrysalis (No. 4) at the end of May or early in June, but 
there may be, as stated, another and a later brood. It is most common in woods and thickets; 
especially in the South of England. It has been taken near Teignmouth in great numbers. It 
is also found in some of the more northern counties, and has been captured lately at Lyndhurst 
in some abundance, 
Several varieties are occasionally found, and the species described in English cabinets as 
Melitea Dia, is probably one of the varieties of this pretty insect. Mr. Stephens has described 
a singular variety in which the ground colour of the upper surface of the wings is nearly white. 
Argynnis Euphrosyne (the Pearl-bordered Fritillary, No. 5) is generally larger than the 
last described species, and of lighter colour. The distribution of the metallic markings on the 
under side of the hind wings (No. 6) is also different, though of similar character, being 
generally less distinct. These markings of the under side vary, however, very considerably. 
The Caterpillar (No. 7) feeds on various kinds of Violet and Heartsease, and there are two 
broods in the season, the first being found in April and the second in July. 
