CHAPTEE V 

 CLASSIFICATION OF THE LEPIDOPTEEA 



THE Lepidoptera are divided into two very unequal groups, to 

 which we have so frequently alluded as ' Butterflies ' and ' Moths.' 

 And, although these two terms are popularly applied in a fairly 

 accurate manner, yet, strange to say, very few persons indeed have 

 any definite knowledge of the differences that entomologists recog- 

 nise between the two groups. 



Every entomologist has his circle of sympathetic and, perhaps, 

 even admiring friends. Consequently, many a little package is 

 sent round to his abode ' with great care,' accompanied by a note 

 or a message concerning the fine ' butterfly I have just caught, and 

 thought you would like to add to your collection.' 



The ' butterflies ' that so frequently reach us through these 

 channels nearly always turn out to be brightly coloured moths, 

 and this naturally gives one the idea that the popular notion as to 

 the classification of the Lepidoptera is based on colour or brilliancy 

 of design, the term ' butterfly ' being applied to the gayer species, 

 and ' moth ' to the more dingy members of the race. 



There is really some shadow of a reason in this method of 

 nomenclature, for butterflies are usually more brightly clad than 

 moths ; but the scientific classification, at least as far as the main 

 divisions and subdivisions are concerned, has nothing whatever to 

 do with colour or design ; and we must at once acquaint ourselves 

 with the fact that there are very dingy butterflies, and most 

 beautiful and highly coloured moths. 



How shall we account for the fact that the specimens so kindly 

 sent' us by our friends are generally moths ? Is it because moths 

 are more numerous and more frequently seen ? They are certainly 

 more numerous ; for, while our butterflies do not number seventy 



