58 F THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES. 
It is probable that almost all other specific variations from a generic type might be traced 
in a similar manner through successive gradations, and the only question would then be, as to 
whether the term “ species,” or “ permanent variety,” should be the one adopted. Being myself 
rather inclined to class all permanent and transmissible forms as those of distinct species, [shall 
describe P. Salmacis and P. Artaxerxes as distinct species, according to the arrangement adopted 
in the British Museum. 
Polyommatus Salinacis (the Dark Argus, No. 1). This species is generally conspicuously 
darker than the Brown Argus (P. Ayestis), and is further distinguished by an obscure black spot 
near the centre of the fore wings. The border of dull orange markings of the fore wings are 
without the black spot in each which distinguishes a similar border in the fore wings of Agestis ; 
but in the hind wings the orange border has also the black spots. The female (No. 2) is only 
distinguishable by a white spot in the centre of the fore wings, and this mark is not a perma- 
nent distinction, as it sometimes occurs in the males, while the black spot appears equally trans- 
ferred to the wings of the females. The under side (No. 3), though shghtly differmg from P. 
Agestis, as will be seen, presents no very striking distinction. 
The Caterpillar stage of P. Sulmacis is unknown, or it might tend greatly either to es- 
tablish or destroy its claim to be considered a distinct species. The perfect insect appears in 
July, and has only been found in the neighbourhood of Durham and Neweastle, seldom above 
half a mile from the sea. A single specimen has recently been taken near Brighton, which, 
though described as P. Agestis with an unusual white spot on its fore wings, is most probably a 
specimen of P. Sulmacis, which may yet be found at other points of the coast, if diligently 
sought for, as a marine species. 
Polyommatus Artazxerves (the Scotch Argus, No. 4). It was formerly thought that this 
pretty insect was only to be taken at Edinburgh, and in the sole locality of Arthur’s Seat. It 
has, however, been recently captured in many other places in the north of England, as well as 
Scotland. The white markings on the under side of the wing (No. 6), which are entirely 
without the usual black pupil, render it at a glance very distinct from all the other Polyommati, 
and the discovery of the larva by Mr. Logan, which is of a blueish green, with a dark dorsal 
line and a pale lateral one, and in other respects differing from the larvae of all other species of 
the genus, appears to establish its claim to be considered a distinct species. The female (No. 5) 
may generally be distinguished from the male by the greater breadth of the border of orange 
patches on the hind wings. This pretty little Butterfly is double brooded, appearing in June, 
and again in August. There is some reason to fear that dealers, in their anxiety to procure as 
many specimens as possible, for which they get a good price, will ultimately extinguish this 
species as they have done the beautiful C. Dispar, in the Fens of Huntingdon,* for they have 
to furnish foreign as well as British cabinets with the Scotch Argus, which (though P. Agestis 
is plentiful,) is certainly unknown on the Continent. 
Mr. Logan, the enthusiastic Scottish entomologist, expresses himself very energetically on 
the probable extinction of the race of this elegant little insect, and in defence of his cause has 
even found out an objection to roadmaking, certainly never dreamed of by speculative proprie- 
tors, namely, that the one in question is likely to destroy the best known locality for Polyomma- 
tus Artaxerves. He thus writes to Mr. Stainton,— Government has agreed to construct a 
carriage-road between Edinburgh and Duddington, much to my disgust, as it is to come along 
the line of the present footpath, and will destroy all the best localities for ‘Artaverzes’” If 
the Government could be made aware of the serious injury it is about to inflict, in causing the 
destruction of the best known locality for the capture of Mr. Logan’s favourite Butterfly, it 
might yet desist from its purpose. 
* Mr. W. P. Russel has this season taken a fine female specimen of C. Dispar, in St. Osyth Woods, Essex. 
