93 



AN ADDITIONAL LIST OF BUTTERFLIES FROM THE 

 RHONE VALLEY. 



By a. F. Rosa, M.B, CM. 



In relation to a list of butterflies published by me in the 

 ' Entomologist ' for February, 1900, the following are a few notes 

 in comparison, and an additional list of species and varieties 

 observed, during two subsequent visits of a fortnight and ten 

 days respectively, in July (7th to 21st), 1900, and August (3rd to 

 13th), 1901. 



On these two occasions practically the same ground was 

 worked — viz. (1) the vicinity of Aigle ; (2) the forest of Pfin ; 

 (3) Berisal and the Simplon route ; with the exception that in 

 August, 1901, a short stay was made at Zermatt, and the Nicolai 

 Thai traversed. 



With respect to the species included in the previous list, at 

 Aigle, in July, 1900, the first seen was Melanargia galatea, which 

 put in an appearance whenever there was the faintest glimmer 

 of sunshine, the first day or two being wet and almost sunless. 



Things looked brighter on the 9th, and from that date onward; 

 but butterflies were decidedly scarcer than in the previous July, 

 especially the Lycsenidse. A few of L. icarus were noted, and of 

 L. corydon and L. damon, which were abundant the year before, 

 only one or two of each were seen. Wherever trees occurred by 

 the road Limenitis sihylla flitted about, often in twos and threes, 

 L. Camilla being only represented altogether by one or two speci- 

 mens ; and it was the reverse the previous year as regards these 

 two species. 



Papilio machaon was frequently observed, and one was seen 

 depositing ova on umbelliferous plants by the roadside. Par- 

 nassius apollo, as usual, becomes common as one ascends the 

 road towards Le Sepey, and amongst others I secured one very 

 large female specimen. Eiichloe belia var. simplonia and E. carda- 

 mines were sparingly seen, as also was Leptidia sinapis. Colias 

 hyale was common, but rarely in good condition; and of C. edusa 

 a fresh brood was noted, but these were few and far between. 

 Thecla ilicis and T. spini in worse condition than in the previous 

 year ; and of the Vanessids, Polygonia c-alhum was taken several 

 times, the larvae of Vanessa io occurred plentifully on nettles by 

 the side of the road near Le Sepey, and one imagine of Pyrameis 

 atalanta was captured. The fiery Melitcea didyma was the com- 

 monest of its genus, which was otherwise represented by M.phoehe 

 and M. athalia. The three large fritillaries Argynnis aglaia, 

 A. adippe, and A. paphia turned up now and then ; and Satyrus 

 hermione, much smaller than in the previous July, was abundant. 

 S. actcea var. cordida, Pararge mcera, P. megcera, P. achini, and 

 many other common butterflies, as Aporia craUegi, Gonepteryx 

 rhamni, Satyrus semele, etc., were taken or noted. 



