126 



BULLETIN UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA. 



THE GRAY HAIR-STREAK or MELINUS BUTTERFLY, Uranotes melinus 

 Figs. 94, 1, and 2. 



Fig. 94. Uranotes melinus; 1, upper; 2, lower side; 3, Incisalia eryphon; 

 4, Thecla saepium. 



Butterfly Expanse, 1.10 to 1.20 inches, 28 to 30 mm. This butterfly is 

 easily recognized by its slaty upper surface, adorned by a large black spot, 

 crowned with crimson, between tne origin of the two tails of the second- 

 aries. Along the outer margin is a series of more or less distinct pale 

 blue spots. An orange spot at the anal angle: Two slender tails. Under 

 side gray, two black lines crossing both wings, the inner on the hind 

 wings forming a W. The other spots repeated on the under side. 



Early Stages The larvae are "green, downy caterpillars," feeding on 

 the common hop vine. 



Distribution Found all over temperate North America, ranging 

 southward into Mexico, at suitable elevations. It has not been found 

 abundantly in the state. Three specimens have been taken at Mis- 

 soula. It has been taken at the University of Montana Biological Station 

 at Flathead lake, but is not plentiful. Wiley has one specimen from 

 Miles City. 



