INTRODUCTION. 73 



scriptive works on British entomology we. possess, 

 divides the whole of the sphinges and moths into 

 five primary groups, viz. Crepuscularia, Pomeridi- 

 ana, Nocturna, Semidiurna, and Vespertina, and the 

 following table is designed to show the degree of 

 relationship subsisting between the different fami- 

 lies, the diurnal tribes being likewise introduced to 

 indicate the connexion. * 



iEgeriidae : Sesiidse. Papilionidae : Nymphalidae. 



II. Sphingidae : Hesperiidae. I. 

 Zygaenidae. Lycaenidae. 



Notodontidae : Hepialidae. Geometridae : Platyptericidae. 



III. V. 

 Bombycidae : Arctiidae. Pyralidae. 



Lithosiidae : Tineidae. Tortricidae. 

 Noctuidae. IV. VI. Yponomeutidae. 



Pterophoridae. 



Mr. Newman has likewise attempted a circular 

 arrangement, of a more elaborate character than the 

 above, assuming seven to be the typical number of 

 groups, which will be found explained in his work 

 entitled " Sphinx Yespiformis." 



Most of the classifications hitherto alluded to, as 

 well as many others which it is unnecessary to de- 

 scribe, as they present no very remarkable feature, 

 are founded more or less exclusively on the perfect 

 insects. There are others, however, which have 

 acquired some celebrity, which may be said to run 

 * Systematic Catalogue of British Insects, Intro, p. x. 



