With moths that feed and live after reproduction, mating and egg
placing comes first. In all cases the rule is much, the same. The
moths emerge, dry their wings, and reach full development the
first day. In freedom, the females being weighted with eggs seldom
attempt to fly. They remain where they are, thrust out the egg
placer from the last ring of the abdomen and wait. By ten o'clock
the males, in such numbers as to amaze a watcher, find them
and remain until almost morning. Broad antennae, slenderer
abdomen, and the claspers used in holding the female in mating,
smaller wings and more brilliant markings are the signs by which
the male can be told in most cases. In several of the Attacine
group, notably Promethea, the male and female differ widely in
markings and colour. Among the other non-feeders the difference
is slight. The male Regalis has the longest, most gracefully
curved abdomen and the most prominent claspers of any moth I ever
examined; but the antennae are so delicate and closely pressed
against the face most of the time as to be concealed until
especially examined.
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