The abdomen is velvet soft to the touch, and divided into rings
called segments, these being so joined that this member can be
turned and twisted at will. In all cases the last ring contains
the sex organs. The large abdomen of the female carries several
hundred embryo eggs, and that of the male the seminal fluid.
Much has been written of moths being able to produce odours that
attract the sexes, and that are so objectionable as to protect
them from birds, mice, and bats. Some believe there are scent
glands in a few species under the wing scales. I have critically
examined scores of wings as to colour markings, but never
noticed or smelled these. On some, tufts of bristlelike hairs can
be thrust out, that give a discernible odour; but that this
carries any distance or is a large factor in attracting the sexes
I do not believe so firmly, after years of practical experience, as
I did in the days when I had most of my moth history from books.
I have seen this theory confounded so often in practice.
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