INTRODUCTION. 
55 
insects knoira by the familiar name of Motus. 
This numerous assemblage, which the minute in- 
vestigations of modern observers have caused to he 
aiTanged in a multitude of generic groups, was 
originally comprehended ivithin the ample boun- 
daries of the single genus Phalama, as defined by 
Linnffius and the older naturalists. They present 
many remarkable variations, both in their general 
appearance and in the details of their structure. 
Their manners and economy are likewise so diver- 
sified and curious, that a minute account of these 
would afford ample materials for a work of con- 
siderable extent, exclusive of any description of the 
insects themselves. In the space here designed to 
he allotted to the subject, in conformity with the 
endeavour we have hitherto made to combine two 
objects, which have been frequently disjoined, to the 
material hinderance of accurate Icnow'ledge in natural 
histor)', viz. a general account of the habits of ani- 
mals, with a correct view of their specific forms and 
appearance, we shall first mention what is peculiar to 
these insects in their winged state, and then describe 
their external structure and habits as caterpillars. 
An opportunity will thus he afforded of presenting 
what is most striking in their ways and instincts, 
which, taken in connexion with what has been said 
in a previous volume regarding the phenomena of 
transformation, &c. and wliat is subsequently sup- 
plied in notices of the respective genera and species, 
will form at least what is most material to he known, 
and all that is likely to interest a general reader, — . 
