INTRODUCTION. j3 
scrip tive works on British entomology we possess, 
divides the whole of the sphinges and moths into 
five primary groups, viz. Crepuscularia, Pomeridi- 
ana, Nocturna, Semidiurna, and Yespertina, and the 
following table is designed to show the degree of 
relationship subsisting between the different fami- 
lies, the diurnal tribes being likewise introduced to 
indicate the connexion. * 
jEgeriidse : Sesiidae. Papilionidae : Nymphalidas. 
II. Sphingidae : Hesperiidse. I. 
Zygsenidae. Lycsenidae. 
NotodontidEe : Hepialidae. Geometridse : Platyptericidse, 
III. V. 
Bombycidse : Arctiidse. Pyralidae. 
Lithosiidae : Tineidae. Tortricidae. 
Noctuidae. IV. VI. Yponomeutidae 
Pterophoridae. 
Mr. Newman has likewise attempted a circular 
arrangement, of a more elaborate character than the 
above, assuming seven to be the typical number of 
groups, which will be found explained in his work 
entitled " Sphinx Yespiformis." 
Most of the classifications hitherto alluded to, as 
well as many others which it is unnecessary to de- 
scribe, as they present no very remarkable feature, 
are founded more or less exclusively on the perfect 
insects. There are others, however, which have 
acquired some celebrity, which may be said to run 
* Systematic Catalogue of British Insects, Intro, p. x. 
