BY H. BEHR, M. D.
The following species of butterflies were mostly collected by the members of the State Geological Survey, among the higher regions of the Sierra Nevada; but some of them are from other portions of California.
Danais, Latr.
1. Danais Archippus, Cramer.
This species was found everywhere, both on the plains and at the highest elevations, up to the limits of Lepidopterous life, 10,500 feet above the level of the sea. The specimens caught in the Sierra were in a poor condition, and differed remarkably in habits from those found near San Francisco Bay. Like most Danaids, ours is rather a lazy and heavy butterfly, gifted it is true with great power of flight, which is shown not by swiftness, but by perseverance. It is however quite easily caught. But according to the statement of Mr. Hoffman, of the Geological Survey, this same Danais was on the mountain summits so restless and active that although very common, only two specimens could be obtained.
We consider these specimens as something like “enfans perdus,” of an otherwise respectable family, led away by an innate desire to strive against the current. Thus they struggle against the mountain breeze until finally they reach the bleak heights of the Sierra, where such tropical forms contrast strikingly with the alpine flora.
Argynnis, Fabr.
2. Argynnis montivaga, Behr, n. sp. [Argynnis, No. 4. Proc. Cal. Acad. II, 1862, p. 174.]
If, as I strongly suspect, this species is still undescribed, I propose for it the above name. It is not found near this bay, but seems to be widely spread through the Sierra from whence I have specimens collected at different localities. Those obtained by the Geological Survey are from an elevation of 10,500 feet.