>>Terry,
>>
>>When i say "East China" i mean - Yangtse Valley, yes, it is. Right side of this river.
>>
>>Xian can be found near big mountain system, not very mountaineous by self. I also know about diones from Chengdu point, this is more southern place.
>>
>>I have theiory about intergradation zone between diones with more or less "normal" coloration and pattern sheme from former USSR asian republics, similiar mongolian variations and more or less typical chinese variation, that take place in this place. Here we can meet results of crossbreeding, that show to us conjucted and bigger blotches, more grey coloration etc.
>>


Ivan,

Sounds like you have a lot of valuable information on diones. I wish we could get information on the ecology of the various forms.

Also, if E. dione and E. bimaculata both occur in the Yangtse Valley, then how do their behaviors differ, so they can live in the same area without over-competing with each other? Do you think dione also occurs south of the Yangtse River? Where is this "Chengdu Point?" I think I've heard of it, but can't find it on my map right now.

My theory is that dione is more-or-less a montane species, whereas, bimaculata is a low elevation, subtropical form living just in the Yangtze Valley. Bimaculata is somewhat fossorial in nature and also has a longer active season, I believe.

Thanks for the discussion...TC.

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