NOCTURNAL LEPIDOPTERA FOUND IN CANADA. 3 
wings are thus distinguished :—That nearest the base, seldom reach- 
ing more than half across the wing, is called the half line ; the next, 
before the middle of the wing, the inner line; then, beyond the mid- 
dle, the elbowed line; and lastly, the subterminal line. Of the two 
spots, or stigmata, the one nearest the base of the wing, is round or 
oval, and is called the orbicular spot ; the other is kidney shaped, and 
is called the reniform spot ; beneath the former is sometimes a third, 
of a wedge-shape, called the claviform spot. 
The Noctuina are divided by M. Guénés, into two main groups, 
Trifide and Quadrifide. 
Of the Trir1p, the imago is generally of moderate size, sometimes 
small; palpi short, or of moderate length, with the third joint never 
long or spatulate; hind wings usually much folded under the fore 
wings, the inner margins of which often overlap each other in repose ; 
median vein of the lower wing with three branches. 
Of the Quapririp&, the imago has generally broad, sometimes very 
large wings; palpi always long and ascending, with the third joint 
long and filiform, sometimes spatulate; hind wings but little folded ; 
the inner margin of the fore wings seldom overlap in repose ; median 
vein of the lower wing with four branches. 
The Triripa@, to which belong by far the greater number of our 
Noctuelites, are subdivided into three sections :— 
BomsycrrorMES.—Palpi short and stout; legs not long; fore 
wings rather thick ; hind wings slender. 
GeENuIN#&.-—Palpi stout and well-developed; legs robust; fore 
wings very thick; hind wings slender, generally of dull colors. 
Minores.—Of small size; body slender; legs long and slender; 
wings broad; fore wings not very thick, triangular; hind wings well 
developed, often with similar markings and colors to those on the 
fore wings. 
The QuapriFipz@ are divided into eight sections, three of which— 
the Sericee, Patule, and. Pseudodeltoide,— are not found in Canada,. 
being confined almost entirely to tropical climates. It is only neces- 
sary, therefore, to mention the characteristics of the remaining sec< 
tions. 
~ VariecaT#.—Size small or moderate. Palpi well developed; often 
thick. Fore wings angular or denticulate on the inner margin, or 
with metallic blotches; hind wings of one color, sometimes pale or 
