1158 
In my former paper I called attention to the fact that within the 
limits of a single family different modifications of the setal pattern 
have taken place, the final impression therefore being that the families 
have differentiated themselves independently and parallel to each 
other. 
According to HANprirscH (1903, ’06, ’10) the splitting up of the 
Lepidoptera into their different families took place in the Cretacean 
period and after it; while the differentiation of the orders of Hexa- 
poda belongs to the Inferior-Carbonic time. A close similarity is 
therefore not to be expected a priori. Moreover a monophyletic 
origin of the Holometabola certainly cannot be considered as an. 
indisputable fact. 
When therefore we meet with any similarity in pattern, we may 
explain it as a remnant of the markings on the primitive insects, 
or of the first Holometabola, but we could equally well imagine 
the pattern to be of such high biological value, that it has developed 
in a corresponding manner in several ordines independently of each 
other. 
Notwithstanding this I am of opinion that, however important 
the possession of setae may be, their special arrangement cannot 
possibly be of any biological account, the correspondence in pattern 
therefore probably is a consequence of community of descent. For 
want of material of other insect-larvae than Lepidoptera 1 had to 
rely exclusively on illustrations in the entomological literature, which 
for the greater part do not excell in accuracy and clearness. The 
youngest instars especially, which are by far the most important, 
are generally wanting. 
According to HaNprirscH the Panorpids closely approach the 
ancestors of the “Lepidoptera. Their larvae have received an accurate 
investigation from Braver (1851-—’63). In the beginning they wear 
setae, afterwarts verrucae of highly interesting form. Judging from 
Bravrr’s figures three setae occur on either side above the stigma 
on each segment. . 
The Tenthredinidae are frequently considered as very primitive 
Hymenoptera. Dyar (1894) thought that he could deduce the markings 
of caterpillars from those of the Penthredinid larvae. On every 
segment three vertical rows occur on either side, each row counting 
three setae. ') 
Even if we accept a monophyletic origin of the Holometabola, 
Coleoptera cannot be taken as near relatives of the Lepidoptera. 
1) This agrees very well with the three subsegments of Janet (1901). 
