Genus Melitaea 



preceding species, but with the basal area black, and the black 

 markings toward the outer margin not so heavy, giving it here 

 a more fulvous appearance. The median bands on both wings 

 are broader and paler than in M. palla. The under side is much 

 as in the last-mentioned species, but the yellow markings are 

 more prominent. 



$. Much like the male. Expanse, $, 1.35 inch; ?, 1.45 

 inch. 



Early Stages. Unknown. 



This species, which is found in California and Nevada, is 

 subject to extreme variation, and I have placed upon the plate 

 one out of many beautiful and singular aberrations which 1 

 possess. 



(16) Melitsea gabbi, Behr, Plate XVI, Fig. 15, $ (Gabb's 

 Checker-spot). 



Butterfly. In the style of its markings on the upper side it 

 almost completely resembles M. acastus, but the dark markings 

 are slighter, giving the wings a more fulvous appearance. On 

 the under side the bands are narrower, defined more sharply 

 with black, and pearly, almost silvery white, whereas in acastus 

 they are pale yellowish-white, and not so lustrous. Expanse, $ , 

 i. 20 inch; ?, 1.50 inch. 



Early Stages. Unknown. 



The habitat of this species is southern California. 



(17) Melitsea harrisi, Scudder, Plate XVII, Fig. 5, $ ; Fig. 

 6, ?, under side; Plate V, Figs. 17-18, chrysalis (Harris' 

 Checker-spot). 



Butterfly, $ . Wings fulvous, black at the base and on the 

 outer margin, with five fulvous spots in the cell of the fore wing, 

 two below the cell; and three in the cell of the hind wing. 

 The black border is widest at the apex of the fore wing, and be- 

 low this runs inwardly on the veins. There are two white spots 

 near the apex. At the anal angle on the hind wing the border 

 is somewhat divided so as to present the appearance of two in- 

 distinct lines. On the under side the wings are fulvous, marked 

 with black bands and spots, and crossed by bands and crescents 

 of pale yellow, as is shown in the figure on the plate. 



?. The female is much like the male. Expanse, $, 1.50 

 inch; ?, 1.75 inch. 



Egg. The eggs are lemon-yellow, in the form of a truncated 



144 



