(3) Argynnis leto Edwards, [Plate XI], ♀ (Leto).
The male of this species is in some respects not unlike the two following species, but with the wings darker at their bases; the female, on the other hand, is quite different, the dark spots on the inner half of the wings running together and giving this part of the wings a dark brown or black appearance, while the outer borders are pale yellow. Expanse 2.5 to 3.25 inches.
This beautiful form occurs on the western side of the Rocky Mountains, in California and Oregon.
PL. XII
(4) Argynnis cybele (Fabricius), [Plate XII], ♀, under side (The Great Spangled Fritillary).
The male is bright reddish-fulvous on the upper side of the wings, with the characteristic dark markings of the genus; on the under side the wings are heavily silvered. There always is a pale yellowish submarginal band shown on the under side of the hind wings which does not appear in the next species, and by the presence or absence of which they may be discriminated from each other. The caterpillars hibernate as soon as hatched, and pass the winter in this state, feeding up and maturing in the following spring when the violets begin to grow. Expanse 3 to 4 inches.
This species ranges from Maine to Nebraska and southward to Georgia and Arkansas. It is our commonest species in the Middle States.
PL. XIII