PREFACE. 



THE present work is intended as a guide to those who desire to collect or study 

 our native Lepidnptera, and also as a book of reference to the general reader. 



In the Introduction I have first given an outline of the Transformations and 

 Structure of the Lepidoptera. Then a brief sketch of the Darwinian theories respecting 

 the origin of species and their special application to various phenomena exhibited by 

 moths and butterflies, as well as a short outline of the general principles which have 

 been followed in framing modern classifications of the order. Next follow five chapters 

 on the various groups dealt with. 



With a few exceptions this work only treats of what are, for the sake of convenience, 

 termed the Macro-Le^ndoptera. A similar work on the numerous and interesting species 

 of Micro-Lepidoptera found in New Zealand may at some future time be undertaken. 



In conclusion, I have to discharge the pleasurable duty of thanking the numerous 

 entomologists who have so liberally assisted me in the production of this work. First, 

 and especially, my thanks are due to Mr. Meyrick, without whose masterly papers 

 and ' Handbook ' but little could have been accomplished. Next, to Mr. R. W. 

 Fereday, who very kindly allowed me to figure many species of which he alone 

 possesses specimens in itself an invaluable assistance. I have also to express my 

 thanks to Messrs. B. F. Hawthorne, H. P. 'Hanify, K. I. Kingsley, A. Norris, A. Philpott, 

 and others for the loan of specimens, and for much valuable information regarding the 

 localities and habits of rare or local species. Lastly, I have to acknowledge the aid so 

 willingly given by my lamented friend, the late Mr. A. S. Olliff, of Sydney. 



KAEOBI, WELLINGTON, 



NEW ZEALAND, 

 1897. 



