The Crambine Genera Diatraea and Xanthopherne (Lep., Pyral.)

Abstract

The present paper is the result of studies begun privately by the writer shortly after his return from South America in February 1930. The subsequent continuation and conclusion of the task was made possible through the authorities of the Imperial Institute of Entomology, to whom, especially the Director, Sir Guy A. K. Marshall, C.M.G., F.R.S., the writer is gratefully indebted for his appointment, in a temporary capacity, at the Farnham House Laboratory, as from 1st August. It was considered that a final revision of the American forms of the groups here considered would be a useful contribution to the West Indian investigations on sugar-cane insects being conducted on behalf of the Institute by Dr. J. G. Myers. At the laboratory the writer found conditions ideal for the prosecution of such work, and he desires to acknowledge his appreciation of the continuous help and encouragement received from the Superintendent, Dr. W. R. Thompson, and his colleagues there, among whom Dr. G. Salt deserves a special word of thanks for his never-failing generosity in offering friendly advice and practical aid, both of which, it must be confessed, have been frequently needed.