"In the two families, which constitute this highly interesting group, is fortunately preserved a type of _Lepidoptera_ whose existence could never have been inferred from a study of other forms. Without a knowledge of these two families the true origin of the order could never have been more than a matter of more or less probable conjecture. The _Micropterygidæ_ are the primeval ancestors of all the Lepidoptera, indicating their origin from the _Trichoptera_ so nearly that one or two more discoveries might make it hard to draw any line of demarcation. The _Hepialidæ_ are an offshoot from the _Micropterygidæ_ (with considerable extinction of intermediate forms), constituting a separate line of development quite unconnected with any other _Lepidoptera_; if, as is possible, this separate stem may have ever given rise to other branches forming distinct families, all trace of their existence seems to have been lost.
"Imago with fore-wings and hind-wings more or less semi-oval, termen and dorsum forming a nearly uniform curve.
"Larva with few hairs, with 10 to 16 prolegs, or apodal, living concealed.
"Pupa in _Hepialidæ_ with segments 7 to 11 and in male 12, in _Micropterygidæ_ with all segments free."--(Meyrick.)
In this work the _Hepialidæ_ alone are dealt with, the _Micropterygidæ_ being reserved { 128}for a future work. It may, however, again be mentioned that the last-named family contains amongst its New Zealand representatives _Palæomicra chalcophanes_, a species which more closely approximates in structure to a Neuropterous insect than does any other member of the _Lepidoptera_. This insect is consequently regarded by Mr. Meyrick as the most ancient species of the order yet known. The survival of _Palæomicra_ in New Zealand is quite in accord with the existence of such forms as _Apteryx_ and _Dinornis_ amongst the birds, the tuatara lizard (_Sphenodon_) amongst reptiles, and _Peripatus_ amongst _Myriapoda_, archaic forms which have been preserved in this country through its long isolation from continental areas, and the resulting absence of more recent competing forms.
"Head rough. Ocelli absent. Tongue obsolete. Maxillary palpi obsolete. Tibiæ without spurs. Fore-wings with all main veins and costa connected by bars near base, 1_b_ furcate, forked parting vein strong." (Plate I., figs. 22, 23, 24, 28, 29.)