1 62 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY. 



VII. NOCTUE SERPENTINE. 



This Division includes moths of moderate or comparatively 

 large size, with ascending palpi, rarely spatulate, the abdomen 

 conical in the male, and not crested. The wings are thick and 

 broad, with well-defined markings, but not exhibiting the 

 " Noctua "-pattern very distinctly. The hind-wings are generally 

 differently coloured to the fore-wings, and are quadrind, the 

 four median nervules rising almost together. 



The larvae have from twelve to sixteen legs, and are naked, 

 and feed openly on trees and plants. The pupae are enclosed 

 in cocoons, and are generally not subterranean. 



The Family Ophiderida, placed by Guenee in the Limbata 

 (of. antect, p. 133), is regarded by Mr. Moore as allied to the 

 Lagopterida, and will consequently precede them in our arrange- 

 ment. The following somewhat discordant families are 

 included by Guene'e in the Serpentine. 



A. Larvae with long pro-legs, the first pairs shorter or wanting. 

 Moths of large or moderate size, marked with simple 

 lines, the fore-wings velvety, and pointed at the tip. 



Ophiusidce (= LagopteHdtt, Kirby). 



B. Larvae slender, with twelve legs. Moths with slender legs, 

 short palpi, and generally with ciliated antennae. 



Euclidida. 



C. Larvae with from twelve to fourteen legs, and marked 

 with distinct lines. The moths are slender, with simple 

 antennae, and the wings pulverulent below. Poaphilidce. 



D. Larvae with sixteen legs of equal length. The moths 

 have long antennae, the last joint being distinct and 

 slender ; compressed and very pilose legs ; and broad 

 wings, the hind-wings often more or less hairy 

 beneath Remigiidcz. 



