Argynnis

[ Gr. ̓Αργυννίς (Argunnis) and ̓Αργοννίς (Argonnis).] (See definition 1.) 1. Greek Mythology : A name of Aphrodite (Venus). The Greeks derived it from a sacred place near the Cephi us, where a boy, Argynnus, beloved by Agamemnon, is said to have died; but Max Müller traces it remotely to the Sanscrit arguni = the bright or splendour, an appellation of the dawn. ( Max Müller : Science of Language, 6th ed., vol. ii., 1871, p. 409.) 2. Entom.: A genus of butterflies belonging to the family Nymphalidæ. Several species occur in Britain. They are marked on the lower surface of the wings with silvery spots. The A. Paphia , or Silver-washed Fritillary, is one of the most common. The other species are A. Lathonia, or Queen of Spain Fritillary; A. Adippe , or High Brown Fritillary; and A. Aglaia , or Dark-green Fritillary. (Jardine: Nat. Lib ., vol. xxxix., pp. 150 to 158.)