The
males take wing as soon as dusk of the first night arrives, after
their wings are matured. They usually find the females by ten
o'clock or midnight, and remain with them until morning. I have
found mated pairs as late as ten o'clock in the forenoon.
The moths do not eat, and after the affairs of life are
accomplished, they remain in the densest shade they can find for
a few days, and fly at night, ending their life period in from
three days to a week. Few of these gaudily painted ones have the
chance to die naturally, for both birds and squirrels prey upon
them, tearing away the delicate wings, and feasting on the big
pulpy bodies.
White eggs on the upper side of leaves of the trees mentioned are a
sign of Luna caterpillars in deep woods, and full-grown larvae can
be found on these trees in August. By breaking off a twig on
which they are feeding, carrying them carefully, placing them in a
box where they cannot be preyed upon by flies and parasites, and
keeping a liberal supply of fresh damp leaves, they will finish
the feeding days, and weave their cocoons.
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