258 CATALOGUE OF 



The Sphinges constitute in this Catalogue a distinct Tribe, equal 

 in rank and value to the Papiliones, or to the other Tribes which 

 will be subsequently defined, although more limited in the number 

 of individuals. 



The metamorphosis varies in the different Stirpes. The chrysalis 

 is generally naked, of a cylindrico-conical form, deposited on the 

 surface, under the earth, or rarely enveloped in a slight web. 



The antennae are prismatic, somewhat fusiform, or thickened in 

 the middle and attenuated at the ends. The individuals are provided 

 with a proboscis, varying in size and length in the different Stirpes. 



This Tribe is subdivided into five distinct Stirpes, four of which 

 derive their name from the form of the Caterpillar. 



Thejlrst Stirps forms a natiu-al junction between the Hesperidae, 

 the last subdivision of the Anopluriform Stirps of the Papiliones, 

 and the second Stirps of the Sphinges. The typical genera are 

 Castnia and Uuschemon. Their reciprocal affinity manifests itself in 

 the following characters : — First, in the form of the antennae : these 

 organs in Castnia resemble those of Hesperia in the length of the 

 club and its attenuation towards the base, while they approach to 

 Sphinx in the prismatic form of the club and its terminal hook. 

 Secondly, the fore-legs are perfect in both sexes of Hesperia and 

 Castnia. 



The habit and aspect are very similar in both groups. In the 

 Systems of Lamarck and Latreille, Castnia and Sphinx stand con- 

 tiguous. 



Mr. Swainson, who observed Castnia in its native coimtry, states 

 that " they fly by day, and much in the same manner as the typical 

 Hesperidcd. The antennae are intermediate in form between a Sphinx 

 and a Sesperia." — (Swainson and Shuckard's Treatise on Insects, 

 p. 104.) 



The metamorphosis is as yet a desideratum in Entomology. 



The second Stirps, named Elongates or Langleih-raupen, Wien. 

 Verz. and Schrank, has a cylindrical larva, more slender and elon- 

 gated than in the other Stirpes. It is generally without lateral 

 ocelli ; the head is globular, and the abdominal horn short and rigid. 

 The perfect insect has short wings, and flies by day, and the abdomen 

 is terminated by a broad or depressed brush-like appendage. The 

 proboscis is long. In their metamorphosis they exhibit a slight 

 affinity to the Diurna. The typical genera are Sesia and Macro- 

 glossa. The metamorphosis is illustrated on Plate VIII., in figures 

 1, 2, 3, and 4. 



