or scales. Anterior and middle tibite densely rough-scaled, an- 

 terior tarsi slightly thickened with scales, posterior tibiae densely 

 rough-haired above and beneath. Forewings with vein 1 long- 

 furcate towards base, 2 from -|-{f or rarely almost from angle, 3 

 from angle, 7 and 8 stalked, 7 to hindmargin, 11 from middle. 

 Hind wings over 1, oblong-ovate ; towards base below median, 

 and towards inner margin densely clothed A\ith long hairs, vein 

 16 shortly furcate at base, 3 and 4 from a point or short-stalked, 

 5 parallel to 4, 6 and 7 from a point or short-stalked or rarely 

 separate but closely approximated at base, 8 connected with cell 

 at a point towards base. 



Tlie name of this genus is printed Cryptophasa by Lewin, but 

 the second part of this word is meaningless, whilst the habits of 

 the larvae sliow clearly that Lewin intended the name as I have 

 written it ; I have therefore made the correction. No confusion 

 need occur with the Coleopterous genus Cryptophagus, since the 

 different termination is a sufficient distinction. 



The genus is distinguished from all but Pilostibes by the pec- 

 tinated antennae of the male. In most of the species the larvte 

 excavate tunnels into the solid wood of trees, within which they 

 reside, closing the entrance with a barricade of silk and refuse ; 

 from these they emerge by night and bite off entire leaves, which 

 they drag into the burrow for food. The barricade is evidently 

 intended not to conceal the entrance, for it is rather conspicuous, 

 but as a bulwark against ants, which are the worst enemies of all 

 larvae. These large larvae are not only a favourite food of the 

 natives, but are also frequently eaten by whites, either raw or 

 roasted, and are much esteemed by those who can get over early 

 prejudices. The peculiar habits are, however, not invariable in 

 the genus, and some of the smaller species show still those simpler 

 and more usual methods of life, from which this more elaborate 

 system has been developed. 



The perfect insects are in general rarely met with at large, 

 although the larvte are often common. I believe the species 

 flourish in the drier districts, where other Lepidoptera are scarce ; 

 and it is probable that judicious research will hereafter largely 

 add to their number. 



1. Hind wings yellow, orange, or ocherous. 2. 



" not " " " 5. 



2. Forewings with ground colour white. 9. porphyrinella. 



" " " not white 3. 



3. Forewings without marking. IG. phaethontia. 



" with darker markings. 4. 



4. Forewings with base of cilia spotted with black. 20. rubra. 



15. ruhescens. 



