Rindge (1949) described two forms of this species,
D. c. carnearia and
D. c. columbriaria. The form
columbriaria is a bit larger and occurs from central California to British Columbia. Form
carnearia is smaller and occurs from central California south to Mexico. The two forms fly together in central California. Form
columbriaria males are described as more lightly marked with three cross lines, rose or purple color, narrow and sharply defined, not marked on costa or inner margin by swollen blotches, going completely across wing; terminal area lightly and evenly suffused with rose or purple. Female
columbriaria similar to male with lines sometimes reduced and terminal area sometimes concolorous with remainder of wing, rarely strongly suffused. Form
carnearia males are described as forewings often heavily marked with cross lines tending to be broad, diffuse, rose or red purple, arising on costa as large dark blotches, sometimes reduced or partially absent, usually enlarged on inner margin; terminal area variable from almost completely suffused with rose purple or purple black to suffusion present as one or two small clouds in middle of wing along PM line. Female form
carnearia has forewings broadly suffused with orange or yellowish; cross lines indistinct, sometimes absent; terminal area concolorous with remainder of wing or lightly suffuse with purple.
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