TTIECLA. 
75 
may be observed in our Theda Qiicmis, T. Betuke, T. W.-alhum, 
Lycecna Aryiolus, &c. 
By far the greater number of species exhibit on their under 
sides a pattern composed of small dark spots, often ocellated, a 
peculiarity which has gained for them the name of “Argus” 
butterflies both in this and other countries. 
The larvae of the genus Theda are mostly arboreal feeders, the 
leaves of various forest-trees forming the food-plants. Those of 
the remaining European genera feed upon various low-growing 
plants, the orders PapUionaceee and Leguminosce being the most 
frequently used ; the larvae of Pohjommatus seem partial to various 
species of Piumex, as will be seen hereafter. Some species of 
Lyccena feed on the pods of Legiminosce, as in the case of L. Bcetica 
and L. Tolas ; others on the flowers of various plants. 
Genus 1. — THECLA, Fabr. 111. Mag. vi. 286 (1807); Leach 
(1815) ; Boisd. (1833) ; Westwood (1852). 
CupiDO, Sect. C., Schrank. (1801). 
Fore wings nearly triangular in shape, without angular 
projections ; hind wings generally with a notch or tail-like 
prolongation near the anal angle. The colour of the upper 
surface of the wings is usually dark brown ; the under side lighter, 
with white streaks either formed by continuous lines or broken up 
into a chain of dots. 
The larvse are mostly of a green colour, with lateral and dorsal 
stripes of a brighter shade. 
1. T. Betulse, Linn. Syst. Nat. x. 482 ; Faun. Suec. 282 ; 
Esper. 19, 1 ; Htlb. 383-5. 
Expands 1‘25 to 1*50 in. The ground colour of the wings in 
both sexes is dark brown ; all the wings have the fringes whitish 
brown. The head, thorax, and abdomen are black above, but with 
the legs and palpi are white beneath ; the antennae are black, ringed 
with white. The male has a faintly black oblong discoidal spot on 
the fore wings, and external to it a light but inconspicuous patch ; 
the hind wings have the tail orange, and a small orange patch at 
the anal angle. The female differs from the male in having a 
