AND THEIR TRANSFORMATIONS. 119 
means of curled-up leaves. ‘‘ The Hesperiide are, in fact, the soft-skinned butterflies, just as the Malacodermes 
among the Coleoptera” * !! 
England is comparatively poor in the species of this family ; tropical America being the metropolis of the 
group ; at least 300 species having been collected in that part of the world. Other parts of the world, as India, 
New Holland, South Africa, and Europe, possess various species, but fewer in number. Boisduval thinks that 
there are more than 400 species in collections. 
The species are very closely allied together, and difficult to be determined, except by very precise examination. 
M. Rambur has, however, proved in the last number of his Faune Entomologique de I’ Andalousie, just published, 
that good specific distinctions exist between nearly-allied species in the structure of the male organs of generation. 
The study of the whole of this extensive family can alone determine the propriety of the distribution of the 
species into genera or still minor groups. It is impossible to examine the very few indigenous species we possess 
without being convinced of the difficulty of attempting this from so small a portion of the group. For instance, 
the antenne in Malve or Alveolus, and Tages, have the club differently formed, and the position of their wings in 
repose is different, although they agree in the folded costa of the fore wings of the males, and in the curved clava 
of the antenne. Again, the club of the antenne differs in its form in every one of the species composing the 
genus Pamphila of Stephens; and yet this is the character which the last-named author uses to characterise 
the two genera into which he has divided the British species. Hitibner, Boisduval, and still more recently Ziller, 
have attempted the distribution of the species into subordinate groups, and it is much to be regretted that 
Mr. Swainson’s researches in this difficult family have not yet been published. 
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXXVIII. . 
Insects.—Fig. 1. Pyrgus Malve (the Grizzled Skipper). 2. The female. 3. Showing the under side. 4. The Caterpillar. 5. The 
Caterpillar prepared for its change to the chrysalis state. 6. The chrysalis. 
7 Fig. 7. The white banded variety of Pyrgus Malvi, by some considered a distinct species. 8. Showing the under side. 
35 Fig. 9. Nisoniades Tages (the Dingy Skipper). 10. The female. 11. Showing the underside. 12. The Caterpillar. 13. The 
Chrysalis. 
‘8 Fig. 14. Pyrgus Oileus. 15. Showing the under side. 
Prants.—Fig. 16. Dipsacus fullonum (Fullers’ Teazle). 
3 Fig. 17. Eryngium campestre (Field Eryngo) 
N. Tages from specimens in the cabinet of E. Doubleday, Esq., of 
P. Malve and the variety are from specimens in the British Museum ; 
he has no doubt that it is the insect which has been 
Epping, and P. Oileus from specimens taken by Mr. Doubleday in North America : 
considered a British species, and found its way into some British cabinets under the name of P. Oileus. The caterpillar and chrysalis of 
P. Malve are from Hiibner, and those of N. Tages from Godart.—H. N. H, 

PYRGUS, Hiner (THYMELE p. SrepnEns). 
The species of this genus, or rather sub-genus, are distinguished by the greater length of the palpi, which are 
very hairy, and extend in front of the head, being at least as long as the head, the terminal joint being slender, 

former resembles that of a Cassida or Tortoise 
because the larva of the 
ps are pre-emine ntly 
because the antenna in the perfect insects of both grou 
Scientific trifling can scarcely { or than this. 
g horus !! Scientific trifling can scarcely go further than 
* In like manner the Erycinide represent the Monilicorn beetles, 
bectle, and the Satyrid [Hipparchiides] represent the Capricorn beetles, 
long, and because the head of the larva of these butterflies is often armed with lon 
R2 
