22 U.S. NATIONAL MUSEXJM BULLETIN 244 



Lypusinae as recognized by Forbes represents an evolutionary line 

 from the Tineidae entirely different from that of the higher psychids 

 and one that is placed perhaps more correctly within the Tineidae. 

 Present knowledge, however, appears to indicate an almost continuous 

 series from the Macro-Psy china down through the more primitive 

 psychids into the Tineidae. One rather conspicuous interruption 

 occurs between such forms as Solenobia and Epichnopterix, but 

 certain intermediate genera (e.g., Luffia and Fumaria) show evidence 

 of intergradation. As previously mentioned, an adequate set of 

 correlated characters as yet has not been proposed for defining the 

 Psychidae. The inclusion of the entire group within the Tineidae 

 does not seem logical at the present: such a heterogeneous group 

 would not be equivalent to other lepidopterous families. Eventually, 

 before the limits of the two families can be established, a compre- 

 hensive study will have to be made on the pertinent tineoid groups 

 as they exist in the Palearctic region. The Acrolophidae, whose 

 relative position has fluctuated between a subfamily status within 

 the Tineidae (and sometimes Psychidae) to that of a separate family, 

 also should be considered in such a study. 



In an attempt to clarify or at least illustrate the basic generic 

 relationships followed in this paper, a diagram is presented on page 

 25. Because the genera are not arranged alphabetically, an explana- 

 tion of relationships should be attempted though the relative position 

 of some groups is very questionable. This arrangement is based 

 primarily on the male genitalia because these structures, more than any 

 of those studied, seem to reflect the major evolutionary tendencies of 

 the genera. Wing venation and leg structure, although frequently 

 demonstrating conspicuous differences intergenerically, show little 

 correlation and significance in the overall evolutionary trend. A 

 comprehensive knowledge of the immature stages and other adult 

 characters not thoroughly treated in this study (e.g., thoracic anatomy 

 and the female genitalia) may change markedly the position of some 

 genera as presented in this preliminary arrangement. 



As indicated in the diagram, apparently there are three lines of 

 specialization within the Psychidae indigenous to the Western Hemi- 

 sphere. A general tendency prevails, with some exceptions, within 

 each of these lines toward a reduction in wing venation and tibial 

 armature. 



One phyletic line is that terminating with the genus Dendropsyche. 

 This group consists of rather slender-bodied, broad-winged moths 

 with elongate male genitalia. The pulvillus at the base of the valve 

 is obsolescent and the saccus well developed. The genera Prochalia 

 and Zamopsyche are believed to represent the most prunitive members 



