The shape and position of this spot and the absence of black centres are the main characters of eriphyle, which moreover is distinctly larger than melampus.

Beneath the band of the forewing is lighter than above, being ochre-yellow in many specimens ; the spots of the hindwing are of the same colour, being much more prominent than above.

In the female the ground-colour paler, the underside yellowish brown, band and spots less distinct than in the male.

— An inhabitant of the Alps, prefers limestone, and occurs in July and August at altitudes of from 900 to 2200 m. — ab.

tristis H.Schiff., from Graubunden and the Alps of Schwyz, the marginal band of the forewing is brighter in colour and the disc of the hindwing beneath has a reddish flush.