ANNETTE F. BRAUN 
155 
NEPTICULIDAE OF NORTH AMERICA 
BY ANNETTE F. BRAUN 
Description of the Family 
The genera composing the family Xepticulidae form a well-de- 
fined and easily recognized group which possesses structural char- 
acters sharply distinguishing it from all other Lepidoptera. 
Scoliaula and Trifurcula of the European fauna, Obrussa, Glau- 
colepis and Ectoedemia of the North American fauna, are mono- 
basic or at most represented by but a few species each; Nepticula, 
which is almost cosmopolitan in its range, appears to be unlimited 
in number of species. The family includes the smallest of the 
Lepidoptera; some species of Xepticula expand scarcel}^ three 
millimeters. 
The moths, l^ecause of their minute size and retired habits, and 
vei'}" rapid and irregular flight, are not frequently met. Early in 
the spring, some species may be collected resting in the crevices of 
bark. Later, moths may sometimes be found on leaves, usually 
those of their food plants. Occasional!}’- because of the peculiar- 
ity of all the individuals of a single generation maturing and 
emerging at the same time, great numbers of moths may be seen 
on leaves of the food plant and neighboring plants. To secure an 
adequate representation of the group, however, rearing of the 
moths from larvae is necessary. 
The family characteristics of the Nepticulidae may be given as 
follows: 
Head and face tufted. Antennae not exceeding three-fourths 
of wing length, rather thick, with l)asal segment enlarged and con- 
cave beneath to form an eye-cap. Labial palpi short, porrected 
or drooping. Maxillary palpi long, filiform, folded. Tongue 
rudimentary. Posterior tibiae with bristles above. 
Fore wings (Figs. 1 to 6). — Media coalescing with radius from 
base to beyond middle of wing, so that all the branches of radius 
and media appear to arise from one stem; or coalescing with cu- 
bitus for a short distance from l>ase, then, either passing obliquely 
TR.\NS. AM. ENT. SOC., XLIII. 
