Page:The night moths of New England, how to determine them readily (IA nightmothsofnewe00knob).pdf/5

 NOCTURNAL LEPIDOPTERA. THE

night moths, or millers (nocturnal hpidoptera) are distinguished from all other butterflies by their feelers, which taper from their base to the point and are often feather-like by their wings which, when at rest, are shut upper-side outward and more or less steep or roof-like over their bodies.

The different families have been arranged in seven groups, These three groups lead gradually from one to another with no is taken for an owlet, or a geometer for a spinner. Therefore, if seems

to

resemble

it

will

be found

in

another similar to

it.

which the first three embrace the larger moths. distinct line of demarcation, so that often a spinner

of

a

The

specimen cannot be found last

in the group that it groups contain the smaller moths, which are too minute for consideration in this book.

mostly recognized by parts of their heads and veins of their wings, Only a few, therefore, of each family are represented to give an idea of their character. On account of the great number of moths, the majority of which are so nearly alike in coloration and size, as well as the variations in size and color among themselves, the females often being double the size of the males, it is always difficult to determine the name of a moth which has no decided markings. Even their own wear and tear make them often unrecognizable.

Abbreviations used caterpillar.

The word

"

in

the descriptions are as follows

like

" is

used,

meaning



f.

for forewing, h. for hindwing,

similar in shape

and marking, but not

c.

in color

for food plant of the

and

size.

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