Unquestionably the day fliers that feed--the Sphinginae and
Choerocampinae groups--have fairly good vision, as also the little
"Clear-wings" tribe, for they fly straight to the nectar-giving
flowers and fruits they like best to feed upon, and it is extra
good luck if you capture one by hand or even with a net. It must
be remembered that all of them see and go to a bright light at
night from long distances.
Holland writes: "The eyes of moths are often greatly developed,"
but makes no definite statements as to their range of vision, until
he reaches the Catocalae family, of which he records: "The hind
wings are, however, most brilliantly coloured. In some species
they are banded with pink, in others with crimson; still others have
markings of yellow, orange, or snowy white on a background of jet
black. These colours are distinctive of the species to a greater
or less extent. They are only displayed at night. The conclusion
is irresistibly forced upon us that the eyes of these creatures are
capable of discriminating these colours in the darkness.
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