46 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF 



scendants of some low form of Caddice fly, and to have Ions since 

 reached the limit of their capacity for further modification. The}' 

 would thus constitute the summits of several small branches of 

 the Phryganeid root from which the Psychidse and Tortricina were 

 derived. 



Although it is possible, as previously remarked, to trace with 

 considerable success the gradual abandonment of cocoon manu- 

 facture, from rather low moths, where it exists in wonderful per- 

 fection, to its rudimentary condition in Diurnals, and even to show 

 certain stages which appear to have led to the cell-making of the 

 Sphingidae ; yet in the absence of further evidence of a different 

 chai'acter, in the face of previously-cited facts, it would not be 

 advisable. 



It is well known that among the Bombycidse there are existing 

 forms that resemble in some points of character the butterflies. 

 In color, bodily form, and in being, to a certain extent, lovers of 

 sunshine, Utethe'isa bella, Linn., approaches the butterflies. 



Among the Zygsenidae similar relations are known to exist, as 

 instanced by Alypia Brannani, Stretch. Other examples might 

 be given, but time will not permit the merest mention of them. 



The larva of Alypia enters the ground where it constructs an 

 earthen cocoon, and lines it internally with a varnish-like secretion 

 before assuming the pupa condition. In this particular it imitates 

 certain moths. 



The early histoiy of the genus Utetheisa is partially involved 

 in obscurity. It is impossible to say where the pupa state is 

 assumed. It seems in harmony with facts to consider butterflies 

 to have descended from some species of Bombycid, whose larva 

 possessed a comparatively smooth exterior and was a moderate 

 spinner of silk the support and girdle of the Papilionidee anil 

 others being the remaining traces of the cocoon by which their 

 remote progenitor was accustomed to envelop itself. The larva 

 of Utetheisa bella, Hiibn., has been found in the pods of Crote- 

 laria, from which it is inferred that it is an internal feeder. It is 

 yellow, with black and white rings. In markings and in its com- 

 paratively smooth integument it resembles some of the Papilios. 

 If it should be shown in the future that it spins a slight cocoon, 

 this fact would lend material aid to the views herein set forth. 



The larva of Phryganidia Calif 'ornica, with its naked skin and 

 uninclosed and pendent pupa, reminds me of many Rhopalocera 



