5 g DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE. 



of the lower lip. The latter are denominated labial palpi. The wings, four in num- 

 ber, are membranaceous, more or less covered with minute imbricated scales. The 

 metamorphosis is technically termed obtect. 



Observation. — The metamorphosis of this order is the most remarkable, the most diversified, and 

 the most intricate in the sub-kingdom of Annulosa. I have already stated my intention of deriving 

 from it the basis of my arrangement. It shall be my endeavour to analyze and follow its variations, 

 as my clew to a general subdivision of the whole order. In the first tribe the outline of a 

 subdivision has been sketched ; and I now submit it to the candid examination of Entomologists. 

 It might, perhaps, be expected, that I should, at the commencement, give a similar descriptive 

 and discriminating analysis of the metamorphosis of each tribe, in all its details; but, on this 

 subject, I must without reserve acknowledge my inability. In the first tribe, I had the advan- 

 tage of being guided by analogical relations ; and it appears to me that the stirpes of this tribe 

 exhibit types of the modifications which take place in the metamorphosis of the remaining 

 tribes. I shall observe, by way of illustration, that a similar state of things occurs among the 

 Mandibulata. We here find, in the metamorphosis of one order, the Neuroptera, types of the 

 diversified metamorphosis of the whole class. See Horee Entom., p. 433. But I am not pre- 

 pared, at present, to show how the same principle applies to the Lepidoptera in general, or to 

 analyze and describe the metamorphosis of each tribe, in the manner in which I have attempted to 

 elucidate the metamorphosis of the Papilionidce. This would lead me into the very mistake I am 

 anxious to avoid, and produce an artificial arrangement. It is true, there are many observations 

 in the Wiener Verzeichnis, which assist in forming a general system founded on metamorphosis; 

 and I have adopted them so far as I could with safety, and with the intention of pursuing them 

 in the course of this work. I have no hesitation in stating in this place, that the indications given 

 in the work just mentioned, lead to more accurate views on this subject than those generally found 

 in Entomological works. We are directed to attend not only to the number of the feet of the 

 larvae, but to analyze them with rigorous exactness, to notice every particular of their struc- 

 ture, viz. the deviation from the regular cylindrical form, whether ovate, fusiform, oblong, 

 depressed, &c. ; the form of the segments, whether merely annular or produced into scuta, &c. ; 

 the adventitious appendages to the head, sides, tail, &c. whether provided with a furcula, a 

 bicuspid anal appendage, &c. ; the diversified form of the head and its appendages ; the multi- 

 farious protuberances, excrescences, warts, and fleshy caudiform appendages; and particularly 

 the external covering, whether smooth, hairy, villose, spinous, with the various modifications of the 

 hairs and spines. It is probable, that as accurate observations are extended, these will assist in 

 affording clear indications for permanent subdivisions. But, in the present state of our materials, 

 I shall adhere to the excellent rules on this head contained in the Horse Entomologies. I 

 shall examine principally the variations in the metamorphosis, and endeavour to obtain from 

 them the indications of the higher groups. Wherever the modifications in the metamorphosis 

 are numerous, I shall endeavour to ascertain whether they lead to the establishment of genera 

 or further subdivisions. The first tribe affords an example of the assistance derived from a 

 minute acquaintance with the metamorphosis, in the determination of natural groups, whether 

 stirpes, genera, or further subdivisions. On this subject I have frequently referred to the 

 authors of the Vienna Catalogue. Next to these, Schrank has most closely consulted metamor- 

 phosis, in its various modifications, in his arrangement, and on its importance as a guide to minor 



subdivisions. 



