The Californians differ from their European analogues in the orange color that fills the space between the margin and the marginal line on the underside. In the European species this space always has the same pale tint that forms the ground color.
Then the two waving lines that inclose the submarginal band on the underside of the hind wings, are not entirely filled by the orange or fulvous spots as in the European, but have an empty space between the first and second, and the second and third veins.
1. Melitæa Palla, Boisd.
Alae maris supra fulvae nigro clathratae, feminae nigrae nonnullis fasciis macularibus gilvis instructae.
Alae posticae subtus gilvae lineis nigris et maculis aurantiacis ordinariis instructae, necnon serie lunularum fasciae submarginalis fulvarum a vena tertia inchoantium usque ad ultimam decurrentium. Quaeque lunula continet ocellum.
I repeat the diagnosis for the purpose of adding a character that has been hitherto overlooked but is essential for separating this species from the following. It is the eye-spot contained in each of the orange-colored spots of the submarginal band. It is true that these spots are not in every specimen equally visible, and often require the help of the glass to make them visible, but still they are never wanting as in the following species.
M. Palla is the only one of this type found in the vicinity of San Francisco, where it is rather common. Nevertheless I have not yet succeeded in finding the caterpillar, but have heard from our celebrated entomologist, Mr. Lorquin, that he has raised this butterfly from a caterpillar found on a species of Plantago.
2. Melitæa Whitneyi, Behr, n. sp.
Alae maris supra rubricantes nigro clathratae feminae, fere eædem, colore tantum dilutiori hinc et illinc paululum alternantes.
Alae posticae subtus iis M. Pallae similes sed lunulae fasciae submarginalis ocellis omnino destitutae.