34 NOVITATBS ZOOLOQICAE XXVI. 1919. 



It is clear, however, that some of these genera will stand, since not only 

 does the pulvillus show in these a weU-marked difference in structure, but it is 

 associated with a different neuration. 



If our time had perforce not been occupied with the more practical side of 

 entomology connected with War Service we should have Hked to go more fully 

 into the question of the genera of Castniinae. One test only were we able to 

 make. Upon examining the unique specimen of lanra Druce, it struck us that 

 this probably did not belong to the licus group, but might perhaps be more 

 suitably placed with evaltke. We therefore made preparations of the tarsus 

 of the three species. To our surprise, we found that the pulviUus of liens was 

 of the same form as that of evalthe, whilst laura differed distinctly from these. 



The pulvillus of laura is similar to the figured licoides, but licus itself is 

 different, the base being straight as in evalthe. The pulvillus of evalthe is similar 

 to the figured evalthonida, but the anterior margin is not evenly rounded, there 

 being a depression at either end ; the base, too, is not rounded but straight. 



It seems likely that evalthe and evalthonida are good species, and although 

 in the same genus it is worthy of note that they differ in the form of the pul- 

 viUus. Let it be noted also that licus, although placed in a different genus, more 

 closely resembles evalthe in the form of the pulvillus, whilst it differs from licoides 

 already associated with it. 



It appears therefore that m the Castniinae the form of the pulviUus is not 

 a good character on which to found genera. The author, however, whilst ad- 

 mitting it as a character for most genera, regards pattern as of primary impor- 

 tance. We regret he has very Uttle to say doncerning neuration and the struc- 

 ture of the genitalia in diagnosing his genera. Without these essentials we are 

 disposed to think that the creation of genera on pattern alone, combined perhaps 

 with some slight difference in the form of the pulviUus, is to be deprecated. 

 The genera Spilojxtstes, Xanthospila, and Enicospila are foimded on pattern 

 alone. 



The genus Coryhantes is curiously constituted as compared with other 

 genera. It is not homogeneous from the point of view of pattern, and contains 

 two types of pulviUus. A comparison of pylades with dolopia exliibits not only 

 a difference in the scheme of pattern but also in neuration. 



This monograph is the most exhaustive and elaborate yet given to the 

 entomological world on the Castniinae, and materiaUy advances our knowledge 

 of this most interesting group of moths. The errors of previous authors are 

 discussed and rectified, and some advance is made in grouping the various species, 

 partly by a study of the morphology of the last segment of the tarsus. 



There must be a much larger amount of properly locaUzed material avail- 

 able for study before we can hope to arrive at definite conclusions as to the 

 affinities of the various species and the real significance of their marked differ- 

 ences in pattern. 



At Mr. Talbot's request, the foUowing fuUer description of the new Castnia 

 has been prepared. 



Castnia (Sympalamides) signata Talbot & Prout sp. nov. {phalaris form ?). 



?. Very distinct from any known form, especiaUy in presence of the longi- 

 tudinal dark band on the forewing above. May be recognized by a comparison 



