GENUS SYNCHLOE BOISDTJVAL (THE PATCH-SPOTS) 



Medium-sized or small butterflies, often very gayly colored. Wings generally more pro- 

 duced than in the two foregoing genera, more excavated on outer margin of primaries, and 

 third joint of palpus spindle-shaped, not sharp like the point of a needle, as in Phyciodes 

 and Eresia. The lower discocellular vein in the fore wing is straight and not angled, as in 

 the two last-named genera. Eggs, which are laid in clusters upon sunflowers (Helianthus), 

 like those of Phyciodes in general appearance; the caterpillars and chry solids like those of 

 Melitcea. There are nlany species of the group found in the American tropics, and among 

 them are many curious mimetic insects, which resemble minature Heliconians and Itho- 

 miids. Three species occur in our southland, one of which we figure. 



(1) Synchloe janais (Drury), Plate XXIV, Fig. 2, cf (The Crimson-patch). 



The upper side of a small male specimen is well shown in our figure. Below the markings of 

 the upper side are reproduced in the fore wings. Hind wings on this side black at base and 

 on outer third. The basal area crossed by a yellow bar, on middle of wing a broad yellow 

 band, washed externally with crimson, in which are numerous black spots. There is a 

 marginal row of yellow, and a limbal row of white spots parallel to the outer border. 

 Expanse 2.50-3.00 inches. 



Ranges through southern Texas, Mexico, and Central America. 



91 



