scriptive works on British entomology we possess, divides the whole of the sphinges and moths into five primary groups, viz. Crepuscularia, Pomeridiana, Nocturna, Semidiurna, and Vespertina, and the following table is designed to show the degree of relationship subsisting between the different families, the diurnal tribes being likewise introduced to indicate the connexion.[1]
| Ægeriidæae : Sesiidæ. | Papilionidæ : Nymphalidæ. | |
| II. | Sphingidæ : Hesperiidæ. | I. |
| Zygænidæ. | Lycænidæ. | |
| Notodontidæ : Hepialidæ. | Geometridæ : Platyptericidæ. | |
| III. | V. | |
| Bombycidæ : Arctiidæ. | Pyralidæ. | |
| Lithosiidæ : Tineidæ. | Tortricidæ. | |
| Noctuidæ. IV. | VI. Yponomeutidæ. Pterophoridæ. |
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 Vespiformis."
Most of the classifications hitherto alluded to, as well as many others which it is unnecessary to describe, 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.
