There are numbers of these Catocala moths running the colour scheme
of-yellow, from pale chrome to umber. Many shade from light pink
through the reds to a dark blood colour. Then there is a smaller
number having brown back wings and with others they are white.
The only way I know to photograph them is to focus on some favourable
spot, mark the place your plate covers in length and width, and then
do your best to coax your subjects in range. If they can be persuaded
to walk, they will open their wings to a greater or less degree. A
reproduction would do them no sort of justice unless the markings of
the back wings show. It is on account of the gorgeous colourings of
these that scientists call the species `afterwings.'
One would suppose that with so many specimens of this beautiful
species living with us and swarming the swamp close by, I would be
prepared to give their complete life history; but I know less
concerning them than any other moths common with us, and all the
scientific works I can buy afford little help.
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