(2) Basilarchia arthemis (Drury), [Plate XLV], ♂ (The Banded Purple).
Our figure shows the upper side of the form which is most usual. It will be seen that there are red spots on the hind wings behind the white band. There is a variety called proserpina in which the white band becomes very narrow and the red spots almost or entirely disappear. When the white band and the red spots wholly disappear, as they sometimes do, it is almost impossible to distinguish this species from B. astyanax. Expanse 2.50-2.75 inches. The egg has “kite-shaped” cells. The caterpillar feeds on willows, hawthorns, and wild apple and plum trees.
PL. XLVI
Found in Canada, New England, and southward in Pennsylvania upon the higher ranges of the mountains. It is a northern form. It has not thus far been recorded from the western half of the continent, where it is replaced by a somewhat similarly marked, but larger, species, known as B. Weidemeyeri. The latter insect is found as far east as western Nebraska and Colorado. I have taken it very frequently in Wyoming about Laramie Peak, where it seems to be a common insect in the wooded canyons.
(3) Basilarchia disippus (Godart), [Plate XLVI], ♂; [Plate C], Fig. f, egg; Fig. h, larva. (The Viceroy).
PL. XLVII
Mimics Anosia plexippus. Range from Canada to the Gulf.
This is one of the most striking cases of mimicry which occurs in our fauna.