INTRODUCTION. xix 



V. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. 



The details of geographical distribution are given under the headings of the 

 respective species, so far as I have been able to ascertain them ; but our knowledge 

 in this direction is necessarily limited, and I have found much difficulty in obtaining 

 reliable information, on account of the obstacles which exist in regard to the correct 

 identification of species in other countries. 



The distribution of the species within New Zealand is also very imperfectly 

 known at present, owing to the paucity of collectors and observers, particularly in 

 the extreme north of New Zealand, and on the west coast of the South Island. 

 In the latter locality no doubt many interesting species remain to be discovered, 

 especially amongst the mountain ranges. 



In employing the book for identifications, the reader is recommended to first 

 refer to the Plates and see if he can find anything at all resembling the species he 

 has, and then to refer to the description for verification. In dealing with variable forms, 

 it is always well to remember that the shape of markings is generally far more constant 

 than their intensity, or even their colour. 



The purely descriptive portions of the work have been made as brief as possible, 

 and characters, of special importance for the identification of species, are printed in 

 italics. Those who desire to consult more detailed descriptions may readily do so by 

 referring to Mr. Meyrick's papers, in the Transactions of the New Zealand Institute 

 and elsewhere. References to such papers are invariably given under the synonomy 

 of each species which has been described by Mr. Meyrick. 



It should be mentioned that the figures and descriptions in this work have been 

 prepared from nature, quite separately, and no attempt has been made to reconcile 

 the figure with the description. This course has been followed so that any character, 

 which may have been accidentally omitted from the figure, will not necessarily be 

 wanting in the description. 



The figures of neuration (Plates I. and II.) have all been made from fully denuded 

 specimens examined under the microscope. They are in nearly every instance 

 considerably enlarged. Each drawing has afterwards been compared with Mr. Meyrick's 

 description, and if found to differ, a second examination of the wings has been made 

 with a view to a reconciliation of results. Any important differences observed between 

 Mr. Meyrick's descriptions and my final results are in every case specially mentioned. 



