Observations on the Pupal Wings of Nepticula, with Comparative Notes on Other Genera.

Abstract

The Nepticulidae possess some conspicuous characteristics not present in other Lepidoptera. The most noticeable of these are the crowding together and anastomosis of the main tracheal stems of the fore wings and the absence of true cross-veins (except the humeral cross-vein in rare instances). The nearest approach to this type of venation seems to be found among certain small Trichoptera; where however the base of media remains distinct and does not anastomose either with radius or cubitus. The presence of a true frenulum in the male in even the most primitive genera of Nepticulidæ taken in conjunction with the fact that in the female we find both jugum on the fore wing and series of hooked spines on the costa of the hind wing also suggests their relationship to the Trichoptera. Other characteristics, such as the presence of the jugum in the female of the more primitive genera, the structure of the mouth parts, and the structure of the pupa ally them to the Eriocranid group of the Micropterygidæ.