.'32 MODERN ARRANGEMENT OP 



tive against the depredations of moths. Spirit of wine or tobacco 

 smoke are equally effectual , but the one soon evaporates, and 

 the application of the other is difficult. 



FAMILY IV. NOCTU^LITES. 



The species are always nocturnal, with the wings 

 entire, horizontally extended or sloping, and 

 forming a triangle with the body ; tarsi and labial 

 palpi bent, compressed, furnished with scales, 

 and terminated abruptly by a joint shorter and 

 more slender than the preceding. 



The caterpillars of this tribe are always naked, and never want 

 the anal feet. The general number of their feet is sixteen, but 

 some have only twelve. The perfect insect has always a spiral 

 proboscis, and triangular wings proper for flight, in some sepa- 

 rated, in others lying upon one another, or sloping. In a great 

 number the hairs or scales above the thorax, and often on the 

 abdomen, form a kind of crests or dentations. The males of 

 many species have pectinated antennae. 

 I. Caterpillars with sixteen feet. 



1 . Labial palpi of medium size. 



The genera are EREBUS and NOCTUA. 



2. Labial palpi large. 



The genera are CALYPTRA and GONOPTERUS. 

 II. Caterpillars with twelve feet. 



1 . Labial palpi large. 



It has but one genus, CHRYSOPTERUS. 



2. Labial palpi of medium size. 



It has but one genus, PLUSIA. 



