INTRODUCTION. 
Tue order of Insects to which Moths and Butterflies belong, is the one most popularly known, not only on 
account of the beauty of many of the species, but also from their curious transformations having been more 
frequently observed, in consequence of their conspicuous appearance in their larva or caterpillar stage ; while, in 
other families of insects, that phase of development is often passed in the earth, in less attractive forms, 
commonly known as grubs, as is the case with Beetles, ete. 
The general term, insect, has been given to the tribe of creatures embracing Moths, Butterflies, Bees, 
Beetles, House-flies, and many others, in consequence of a leading peculiarity which characterises the whole, 
namely, the deep dnsection which occurs between the fore part of the body, or thorax, and the hinder part, or 
abdomen, one of the most conspicuous examples of which occurs in the common Wasp. 
The distinct order of insects, containing Moths and Butterflies only, is known as the order Lepidoptera, 
from the Greek words /epis, a scale, and pteron, a wing. This descriptive title has been conferred upon the 
family of insects about to be described, in consequence of the minute scales with which their wings are 
almost invariably covered, and to which they are indebted for their beautiful colours and markings, the 
membrane of the wing itself being perfectly smooth and transparent. 
The order Lepidoptera was divided by Linneus into three grand sections : first, Diwrna, being those which 
fly by day, comprising all the Butterflies ; secondly, Nocturna, or those which generally fly by night, which 
includes a large portion of the Moths; thirdly, Crepuscularia, intended to comprise such as generally fly by 
evening twilight, or at early dawn, like some of the Hawk-Moths, ete. But this third division having been 
found indefinite, and the time of flight in general not the best basis of classification, the system of a modern 
entomologist, Dr. Boisduval, has been pretty generally adopted. According to this method, the order may now 
be considered to consist of two grand divisions, founded, as the only true basis of correct classification, on 
anatomical distinctions. The first division is termed Rhopalocera, or those having a small c7ub-like enlargement 
at the ends of the antenne, commonly termed horns, or, more properly, feelers. The second division is termed 
Heterocera, from two Greek words meaning antenne varying in shape, as do those of the Moths, which are 
sometimes smooth, sometimes feathered, sometimes robust, sometimes slender ; while those of the males very 
frequently differ from those of the females, but they are in no instance clubbed, like those of Butterflies, 
The careful observation of such distinctions as those by means of which the affinities of numerous tribes of 
insects can alone be accurately defined and classed, would form an excellent first lesson to the young student, 
and at once open up to him a novel and interesting field of observation. I recollect one of the most eminent of 
European entomologists, Mr. J. O. Westwood, showing me drawings of the Tiger-Moth, made when he was a tyro 
in the study, in which, for want of that habit of accurate observation which the study of natural history soon 
developes, he had made the antenne clubbed, like those of a Butterfly. Such was the first entomological step of 
the author of the ‘‘ Modern Classification of Insects ;” a work which, had he produced no other, would secure to his 
name a conspicuous place in the annals of Entomology ; so let no student be discouraged by the difliculties which 
invariably attend beginnings. 
