NYMPHALIDAE. 
293 
This insect is one which is nearly always plentiful during its 
season, and does not seem to have its seasons of scarcity like so 
many species. The western species seem to be finer and larger 
than those found in the east, and the flowers along railroads 
or on the banks of rivers may almost be said to swarm with it at 
times. The larva is dark colored and spiny, and like others of the 
genus lives on violets, feeding by night and hiding close to the 
Argynnis cybele. Female. 
roots of the plant during the daytime. The half-grown larva 
passes the winter in a dormant state and completes its growth the 
next spring. 
This butterfly has a rather wide range, being found in the 
eastern, middle and western states as far west as the great plains 
and north into Canada. 
Closely related to Argynnis cybele is Argynnis aphrodite , and at 
the first glance the two species would be thought the same. The 
latter, however, is smaller and usually somewhat darker and 
richer in coloring. This darker coloring is best seen from the 
under side. 
The yellow band following the outer margin of the lower 
