522 William T. M. Forbes 



Hind wing with Sc and R wholly independent, bnt approximate 

 (Thyris, fig. 196) ; or fused (Dysodia, fig. 195) beyond middle of 

 cell; the other veins normally all arising separately; 1st A lost but 

 3d A strong. Cells open. 



The species of temperate climates agree with the preceding descrip- 

 tion, and are small, heavy-bodied moths with thick vestiture and 

 transparent discal spots. The tropical Rhodoneurinse are more slen- 

 der, with ample wings. They frequently have some radial branches 

 stalked; Sc and R of the hind wing are approximate beyond the end 

 of the cell; and the cells normally are closed. They link the typical 

 members of the family with the Pyralididas. 



Caterpillars (fig. 197) superficially Pyraloid, but more primitive 

 than any Pyralid in having three setse on the prespiracular wart of the 

 prothorax at least in some specimens (Fracker). Primary setas only. 

 Head smallish, and normal ; front reaching more than half way to vertex. 

 Mesothorax and metathorax with tubercle vii bearing two seta. Abdo- 

 men with setse iv and v on a single tubercle, vii of two setse on first 

 and seventh segments, and single on eighth. Ninth segment with a pre- 

 anal plate bearing setge i in front of, and slightly above, ii. Prolegs 

 rather long, with a complete series of biordinal hooks. Spiracles 

 oval. Caterpillars concealed feeders ; immaculate, except for the 

 black chitinous parts. Pupa solidly obtect, not studied. 



The family is a wholly isolated and very strange one, combining 

 characters of the Pyralids and Macrolepidoptera with primitive feat- 

 ures. Its nearest relatives seem to be the tropical Hybkeidge. Fracker 

 has placed the group in the Tineid series; but it appears on the whole 

 nearer the Pyraloids. 



1. THY BIS Laspeyres 



Palpi obliquely upturned, with broad, bladelike second joint; male antennae 

 prismatic and thick. Hind tibiae stout, with large, crowded spurs. Abdomen 

 heavily tufted at sides toward rear. Fore wing with R 2 and R 3 well separated. 

 Hind wing with Sc and R separate (fig. 196). Larva with adfrontal sclerites even 

 in width. 



Key to the species 



Fore wing marked with yellow 1. maculata. 



Fore wing black and white 2. lugubris. 



1. T. maculata Harris. Outer margin strongly wavy. Black. Stripes on abdo- 

 men, a subterminal series of spots on wings, and scattered spots, all bright tawny 

 yellow. A large, squarish, hyaline patch in the end of the cell of each wing, 'and 

 a similar patch on inner margin of hind wing, sometimes fusing with the discal 

 one. 12-15 mm. (H 47:30.) 



End of May to July; not common and quite local in occurrence. Larva probably 

 a stem borer or leaf-roller on clematis. 



Montreal, Ontario, to Montana; south to District of Columbia. New York: 

 Lancaster, Newport, DeBruce, Kingston, Poughkeepsie, Esopus, Long Island. 



