HOW TO KNOW TPTE BUTTERFLIES 



glance from the larger species by their size, as in no case does 

 the length of the fore wing exceed one inch. These butter- 

 flies represent the genus Brenthis which differs structurally 

 from Argynnis. The most available character for separating 

 the two is the origin of vein R 3 beyond the apex of the discal 

 cell in Brenthis, and before it in Argynnis. 



The smaller fritillaries resemble Argynnis quite closely in 

 the markings of the upper surface of the wings; the under 

 surface not only differs from the pattern of Argynnis, but also 

 shows great diversity among the species. The two common 

 species of our Eastern fauna can be easily separated by the 

 characters given in the table above. 



The obscurity of the marginal markings of the lower side of 

 the hind wings in the meadow fritillary (Plate XXII, Fig. 4) 

 is sufficient to distinguish this species. 



Caterpillar. — Length nearly one inch. Body black, mot- 

 tled with yellowish or greenish color. The spines arranged 

 in the usual manner of this family are dull brown. It is 

 not unlike the caterpillar of the preceding species except 

 that the pair of spines on top of the first segment are not es- 

 pecially prolonged. 



Food-plant. — Violets. 



This little fritillary has put no money in its 

 purse ; there is not a single silver-spot, angular or 

 round, to be found on the lower side of its wings. 

 Neither is it so handsomely ornamented above as 

 as is the following species, lacking the black scal- 

 loped border that makes the wings of the silver- 

 bordered fritillary so ornate. It is to be found 



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