Notodontina Papilionina
| |
Caradrinina Lasiocampina Pyralidina
| | |
+--------------------+---------------------+
|
Psychina Tortricina
| |
+-------+------+
|
Tineina
|
Micropterygina
{xix}V.--GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION.
The details of geographical distribution are given under the headings of
the respective species, so far as I have been able to ascertain them; but
our knowledge in this direction is necessarily limited, and I have found
much difficulty in obtaining reliable information, on account of the
obstacles which exist in regard to the correct identification of species in
other countries.
The distribution of the species within New Zealand is also very imperfectly
known at present, owing to the paucity of collectors and observers,
particularly in the extreme north of New Zealand, and on the west coast of
the South Island. In the latter locality no doubt many interesting species
remain to be discovered, especially amongst the mountain ranges.
In employing the book for identifications, the reader is recommended to
first refer to the Plates and see if he can find anything at all resembling
the species he has, and then to refer to the description for verification.
In dealing with variable forms, it is always well to remember that the
_shape_ of markings is generally far more constant than their intensity, or
even their colour.
The purely descriptive portions of the work have been made as brief as
possible, and characters, of special importance for the identification of
species, are printed in italics. Those who desire to consult more detailed
descriptions may readily do so by referring to Mr. Meyrick's papers, in the
Transactions of the New Zealand Institute and elsewhere. References to such
papers are invariably given under the synonomy of each species which has
been described by Mr. Meyrick.
It should be mentioned that the figures and descriptions in this work have
been prepared from nature, quite separately, and no attempt has been made
to reconcile the figure with the description. This course has been followed
so that any character, which may have been accidentally omitted from the
figure, will not necessarily be wanting in the description.
The figures of neuration (Plates I. and II.) have all been made from fully
denuded specimens examined under the microscope. They are in nearly every
instance considerably enlarged. Each drawing has afterwards been compared
with Mr. Meyrick's description, and if found to differ, a second
examination of the wings has been made with a view to a reconciliation of
results. Any important differences observed between Mr. Meyrick's
descriptions and my final results are in every case specially mentioned.
{1}NEW ZEALAND