440 INSECTA. 



the inferior palpi, slender and narrow, have three very distinct joints, the last 

 tapering to a point; and where the extremity of the posterior tibia; is armed 

 with very stout spines. The abdomen in most of them is terminated by a sort 

 of brush. 



The caterpillars feed on the internal part of the stems or roots of plants, like 

 those of the Hepiali and Cossi, are naked, without a posterior horn, and con- 

 struct their cocoons in these stems with the debris of the substance on which 

 they have fed. 



SESU, 



Where the antenna? are terminated by a little tuft of scales. The wings are 

 horizontal and marked with transparent spots. The scales of the posterior 

 extremity of the abdomen form a brush. Several of these insects bear a close 

 resemblance to wasps or other Hymenoptera, to Diptera, &c. 



The fourth and last section of the Sphinges, that of the ZYO^NIDES, is 

 composed of lepidoptera, in which the antennae, always terminated in a point 

 destitute of a tuft, are sometimes simple in both sexes, fusiform or resembling 

 a ram's horn, &c. The wings are almost tectiform, and exhibit transparent 

 spots in many. There is no terminal brush to the abdomen. The spurs of 

 the posterior extremity are generally small. 



The caterpillars live exposed on various leguminous plants. They are 

 cylindrical, usually pilose, without a posterior horn, similar to those of dif- 

 ferent species of bombyx, and form a fusiform or ovoid cocoon of silk, which 

 they attach to the stems of plants. 



ZYG.XNA. 



The Zygffnae are not found in the western continent. Their antennae are 

 simple in both sexes, and terminate abruptly in a fusiform club, or one resem- 

 bling a ram's horn; their inferior palpi extend beyond the clypeus, and are 

 pointed at the extremity. 



FAMILY III. 



NOCTURNA. 



IN the third family of the Lepidoptera, with some few exceptions, we also 

 find the wings bridled, when at rest, by a bristle or bundle of set* arising from 

 the exterior margin of the lower ones, and passing into a ring or groove in the 

 under part of the upper ones. The wings are horizontal or inclined, and some- 

 times rolled round the body. The antenna gradually diminish in thickness 

 from base to point, or are setaceous. 



This family, according to the system of Linnams, forms but the single 

 genus 



PHAL.SNA, Linnceus, 



Or that of the Moths. These lepidoptera seldom fly but at night or after 

 sunset. Several have no proboscis. Some of the females are destitute of 



