(1) Œneis gigas, Butler, Plate XXVII, Fig. 1, ♂; Fig. 2, ♁ (The Greater Arctic).
Butterfly.—This, one of the largest species in the genus, occurs on Vancouver's Island. The butterfly hides among the dark mosses and upon the trunks of prostrate trees. The males are vigilant and inquisitive, and dart out suddenly when alarmed, or attracted by passing insects. The females have a slower and more leisurely flight and are more readily taken. Expanse, 2.00-2.25 inches.
Early Stages.—Edwards has figured the egg and the caterpillar in its first three stages, but the remaining life-history of the species awaits investigation.
(2) Œneis iduna, Edwards, Plate XXVII, Fig. 4, ♂ (The Iduna Butterfly).
Butterfly.—This insect, which even exceeds Œ. gigas in size, is found on the Coast Range in northern California. It is decidedly lighter on the outer third of the wings than the preceding species, the male being prevalently a pale yellowish-brown, with the basal and median areas of the fore wing dark brown. On the under side the wings are somewhat lighter than in the preceding species, and the transverse lines are more distinctly marked. Expanse, 2.00-2.30 inches.
Early Stages.—These have been most beautifully delineated by Edwards in the third volume of "The Butterflies of North America."
(3) Œneis macouni, Edwards, Plate XXVII, Fig. 3, ♂ (Macoun's Arctic).
[a]Fig. 123.]—Caterpillars of Œneis macouni (Riley).