Many of the most important advances in Lepidoptera systematics will come from detailed morphological work and application of the methods of molecular biology.  A basic introduction to preservation techniques suitable for morphological work on butterfly and moth early stages, and for DNA sequencing, is presented.  With the current surge of interest in African butterflies and moths, it is hoped that many lepidopterists will use these methods to secure good material for their own studies, and those of others.

As a contribution to the knowledge of the geographical distribution of Lepidoptera in southern Africa, a preliminary and annotated list of butterflies (Papilionoidae) and moths (Hesperiidae, Sphingidae, Saturniidae), collected in Lesotho from October 1993 to March 1995, is presented together with unpublished data for this region from Smits Luc G. A. (1974-1984).  In all, 75 species are recorded.  Three Papilionoidea are new to Lesotho.  This might apply also for some of the recorded Sphingidae and Saturniidae.  Many more moths collected – as yet undetermined – will be published in future.  These findings indicate the need for further studies of the butterfly- and moth-fauna of Lesotho.

The subfamily Satyrinae in Africa is reviewed.  Keys to the tribes and subtribes of the African Satyrinae are provided, as is a key to the African genera of the tribe Satyrini.  In the tribe Satyrini the characters of the genus Cassionympha of the subtribe Ypthimina are redefined and new genus Paternympha gen. n. is described.  The status of P. narycia loxophthamla Vári is revised.