472 INSECT A. 



FAMILY III. 



NOCTURNA. 



In the third family of the Lepidoptera, with some few exceptions, 

 we also find the wings bridled, when at rest, by a bristle or bundle 

 of setae arising from the exterior margin of the lower ones, and pass- 

 ing into a ring or groove in the under part of the upper ones. 

 The wings are horizontal or inclined and sometimes rolled round 

 the body. The antennas gradually diminish in thickness from base 

 to point, or are setaceous. 



"This family, according to the system of Linnaeus, forms but the 

 single genus 



^ Phal^na, Lin. 



Or that of the Moths. These Lepidoptera seldom fly but at night or after 

 sunset. Several have no proboscis. Some of the females are destitute of 

 wings, or have but very small ones. The caterpillars most commonly spin 

 a cocoon; the number of their feet varies from ten to sixteen. The chry- 

 salides are always rounded, or without angular elevations or points. 



The classification of tliis family is very embarrassing, and with respect to 

 it our systems are as yet merely imperfect essays or rude sketches. It is now 

 divided into ten sections, each consisting of numerous genera, differing in 

 various details of form and habits, both in the larva or caterpillar state, and 

 that of the perfect Insect. They are all nocturnal. These sections are 



1. The HepiaiiItes. The caterpillars are rare, and remain concealed in 

 the heart of the plants on which they feed; their cocoon is mostly formed 

 of particles of the matter that nourishes them. The margin of the abdo- 

 minal annuli of the chiysalis is dentated or spinous. The antennae of the 

 perfect Insect are always short, and most frequently present but one sort 

 of small, short, rounded and crowded teeth. Those of the four others are 

 always terminated by a simple thread; but they are furnished inferiorly in 

 the males witli a double hne of setae. The proboscis is always very short, 

 and but slightly apparent. The wings are tectifoi-m and usually elongated. 

 The last abdominal annuli of the females form an elongated oviduct or sort 

 of tail. The caterpillars of these Insects are very injurious to several kinds 

 of trees and other useful vegetable productions. 



Here we have Hepialus, Cossua, Stygia, Zeuzera, &c. 



2. The BoM[BTciT£s are distinguished from those of the preceding one 



