PREFACE TO THE PRESENT EDITION.
A new edition of this volume having become necessary, it was deemed a fitting opportunity to bring the subject matter somewhat in line with our present knowledge of the Nomenclature, Habits, and Distribution of the Species considered therein. With this end in view, the new facts have been incorporated in the text so far as this was possible. Matter that could not be accommodated in this way has been presented in the form of an Appendix.
The changes in the names of genera are not numerous, and in every case where such change has been made, the name used in the first edition has been placed in brackets—i.e. Pieris daplidice of the 1st edition becomes in the present one Pontia (Pieris) daplidice.
By this treatment it has been found convenient to utilise the old Index and, at the same time, to provide a Specific Index for those who prefer to consult the volume by its aid.
THE MOTHS OF THE BRITISH ISLES.
PART I.
INTRODUCTORY.
As mentioned in "Butterflies of the British Isles," there is, speaking generally, no clear line of division between moths and butterflies, and, as Dr. Sharp, in "Insects," puts the case, "the only definition that can be given of Heterocera [moths] is the practical one that all Lepidoptera that are not butterflies are Heterocera." Now, it happens that all the butterflies occurring in these islands have the tips of the horns (antennæ) clubbed; and, although there is much variety in the structure of the horns of our moths, none of them have the tips knobbed.