42 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF 



the same formation? Is it an argument in favor of the descent 

 of the former from the latter? As an answer to this query, two 

 theories suggest themselves ; either to consider the Tineids to 

 have come into existence long anterior to the Carboniferous arc- 

 tian, and to have been the remote progenitor of the latter, as it 

 has doubtless been of the Sphinges; or to consider the Sphinges 

 as a highty specialized form of Pseudo-neuroptera with Bombycid 

 and Noctuid-like characters. 



In some of our modern classifications of insects, the Caddice 

 worms, which are comprehended in the genus Phryganea are re- 

 puted as belonging to the order Neuroptera. According to West- 

 wood, however, this genus constitutes the connecting link be- 

 tween the Neuroptera and Lepidoptera. Since the Caddice worms 

 present many marks of resemblance to the Neuroptera, while in 

 others they approach the Lepidoptera, they are considered by the 

 above-named eminent authority as constituting a distinct order 

 called Trichoptera. 



In their larval condition, these Trichopterous insects are not 

 altogether dissimilar to caterpillars in configuration, and construct 

 for themselves cylindrical cases or tubes, made up of sand, small 

 pebbles, fragments of sticks, leaves, or even shells. When fully 

 grown, the larva secures its case to a stone, the stem of a plant, 

 or some other fixed material, and closes somewhat the two ends 

 with an open grating of silken threads, so as to admit the ready 

 access of water, and keep out intruders. Within this covering the 

 pupa condition is assumed. It bears a very close resemblance to 

 the perfect insect, except that the palpi, wings, antenna?, and legs 

 are shorter and inclosed in distinct sheaths and disposed upon the 

 breast. The pupa is not so perfectly quiescent as the pupae of 

 Lepidoptera, since as it approaches maturity it comes to the sur- 

 face, and in a few instances makes its way out of the water. It is 

 obvious that in the points of character thus briefly detailed, there 

 is a close relationship to the early history of Lepidoptera. But 

 the larvae being aquatic, which is the case with very few Lepidop- 

 tera, and the pupae being capable of locomotion near the time of 

 emergence from the tube, on the other hand ally them to Neurop- 

 tera. 



Besides a resemblance in habits to the case-bearing larvae of the 

 genera Psyche and Tinea, a still further affinity has been noticed; 

 the analogous covering of the alar appendages in the Phryganidse 



