classification of the Tineina. 129 



would appear to be also a very ancient group, probably 

 proceeding from group A of the (Ecophoridce, and revert- 

 ing in some points to an older type ; on which view 

 Eupselia and xEolocosma might be regarded as approach- 

 ing the primitive types of the family, and Glyphipteryx 

 itself as being one of the most specialised forms. The 

 Chimabacchidce are developed immediately from the 

 Depressariidce, the characteristic change being in the 

 separation of veins 3 and 4 of the hind wings. It is 

 this family which gives rise to the whole group of the 

 Tortricina, producing a generalised type from which the 

 three families of the Tortricina rise simultaneously in 

 divergiug lines. Except the Tortricina, no further 

 developments are known to have originated in any of the 

 families of this group. 



The origin of the two remaining families is not so 

 clear as that of the others, and additional knowledge 

 might lead me to modify my present conclusions, but I 

 am disposed to think that the Cryptolechiidce sprang from 

 group A of the (Ecophoridce, preserving the characteristic 

 ciliations of the antennas, and the hind marginal termi- 

 nation of vein 7 of the fore wings, but deviating in 

 the close approximation or coalescence at base of veins 

 6 and 7 of the hind wings, and the curious remoteness 

 of vein 2 from the angle of the cell in the fore wings, 

 the latter character analogous to what is found in two 

 families of Tortricina. The Gelechiidce seem to have 

 originated from the Depressariidce, diverging from them 

 gradually in form and neuration of the hind wings, in 

 which character they display great variability. They 

 may be regarded as the most highly specialised family 

 of all, the extreme of development being reached in the 

 very narrow- winged genera with excessively emarginate 

 hind wings ; and they form, in most parts of the world, 

 a dominant group. 



On this view of the development of the group, the 

 geographical distribution of the Cryptolechiidce becomes 

 highly interesting and important. The fact that the 

 European region (comprising as well Northern and 

 "Western Asia and Northern Africa) is absolutely deficient 

 in this family (for the single species, even if correctly 

 referred here, for which I cannot vouch, can only be 

 regarded as an exotic straggler) appears to be conclusive 

 proof that they must have originated elsewhere ; for it 

 does not seem conceivable that a whole family, well 



