The present work is intended as a guide to those who desire to collect or
study our native _Lepidoptera_, and also as a book of reference to the
general reader.
In the Introduction I have first given an outline of the Transformations
and Structure of the _Lepidoptera_. Then a brief sketch of the Darwinian
theories respecting the origin of species and their special application to
various phenomena exhibited by moths and butterflies, as well as a short
outline of the general principles which have been followed in framing
modern classifications of the order. Next follow five chapters on the
various groups dealt with.
With a few exceptions this work only treats of what are, for the sake of
convenience, termed the _Macro-Lepidoptera_. A similar work on the numerous
and interesting species of _Micro-Lepidoptera_ found in New Zealand may at
some future time be undertaken.
In conclusion, I have to discharge the pleasurable duty of thanking the
numerous entomologists who have so liberally assisted me in the production
of this work. First, and especially, my thanks are due to Mr. Meyrick,
without whose masterly papers and 'Handbook' but little could have been
accomplished. Next, to Mr. R. W. Fereday, who very kindly allowed me to
figure many species of which he alone possesses specimens--in itself an
invaluable assistance. I have also to express my thanks to Messrs. E. F.
Hawthorne, H. P. Hanify, R. I. Kingsley, A. Norris, A. Philpott, and others
for the loan of specimens, and for much valuable information regarding the
localities and habits of rare or local species. Lastly, I have to
acknowledge the aid so willingly given by my lamented friend, the late Mr.
A. S. Olliff, of Sydney.
KARORI, WELLINGTON,
NEW ZEALAND,
1897.