1898.] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 1 43 



Some Rare Butterflies for Northwest Missouri. 



By Frank J. Hall, Kansas City, Mo. 



The student of geographical distribution as well as the mere 

 collector is always interested to hear of the rare species of a given 

 locality. To know that it is always possible to run down a new 

 species for one's own locality gives an increased interest in careful 

 collecting. I don't believe that this city has been noted for careful 

 naturalists, but we have a wonderfully rich insect fauna here and 

 a handful of eager boys trying to land it in their cabinets. We 

 consider the following species of butterflies among the rarities 

 and invite any body to add to the number. 



Callidryas argante. — During September, 1895, the orange- 

 colored male of this species was taken from thistle blossom in 

 company with eubule, which was exceedingly common that year; 

 the condition of the specimen was excellent. The next year, on 

 September 20th, I took a female specimen of the same species 

 and at the same place; the specimen was a dirty white with darker 

 shades along the middle of both wings, and was not in so good 

 condition as the male. During this season (1897) no specimens 

 of eubule were seen. 



Terias mexicana. — On the 3d of September, 1894, a single 

 male specimen was taken on a street in this city. The specimen 

 was somewhat frayed. No more examples were seen until this 

 year (1897), when a specimen was taken on the blossom of the 

 golden-rod. It was a female, and was in poor condition. The 

 species may be instantly recognized by the sharp anal angle, 

 which gives to the species a tailed appearance; unique among 

 our yellow butterflies. 



Eresia texana. — On Oct. 24, 1897, I took from the blossom 

 of Aster a perfect female specimen of this species. Not a blemish 

 exists, so far as can be seen, hence I am persuaded that the speci- 

 men emerged in this locality. For the benefit of the tyro I may 

 say that the species looks very much like Phyciodes at first sight, 

 but is darker and has a curved excavation on the outer margin 

 of the fore-wings, and is ornamented with pure white, rectangular 

 spots; on the hind wings occurring in a row of six, quite square 

 and close together, forming a band across the center of the wing. 



Phyciodes carlota. — Three specimens of the species have been 

 taken here. The first specimen taken May 10, 1896, in a meadow 

 and was alone; the last two were taken in company with nycteis 

 from the blossom of cone-flower in September, 1897. Condition 

 of the September specimens very good. 



