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Stratton-Porter, Gene, 1863-1924

"Moths of the Limberlost"

Its body is covered with silky hairs,
longest on the shoulders, and at the base of the wings.
The eggs of the moth are laid on apple, plum, or woodbine leaves,
or on grape, currant, gooseberry, chickweed or dock. During May
and June around old log cabins in the country, with gardens that
contain many of these vines and bushes, and orchards of bloom
where the others can be foundthe Lined Evening Lover deposits her
eggs.
The caterpillars emerge in about six days. The tiny ovoid eggs
are a greenish yellow. The youngsters are pale green, and have
small horns. After a month spent in eating, and skin casting, the
full-grown caterpillar is over two inches long, and as a rule a
light green. There are on each segment black patches, that have a
touch of orange, and on that a hint of yellow. The horn increases
with the growth of the caterpillar, can be moved at will, and seems
as if it were a vicious `stinger.' But there is no sting, or any
other method of self-defence, unless the habit of raising the head
and throwing it from side to side could be so considered.


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