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Stratton-Porter, Gene, 1863-1924

"Moths of the Limberlost"

"
This will tend to bear out my contention that scientific works are
not the help they should be to the Nature Lover. Heaven save me
from starting to locate Catocala moths, eggs, caterpillars or
pupae on the strength of this information. I might find moths by
accident; nothing on the subject of eggs; neither colour of
body, characteristics nor food, to help identify caterpillars;
for the statement, 'it feeds on trees,' cannot be considered
exactly illuminating when we remember the world full of trees on
which caterpillars are feeding; and should one search for cocoon
encased pupae among the leaves and bark of tree-tops or earth?
The most reliable information I have had, concerning these moths
of which I know least, comes from Professor Rowley. He is the
only lepidopterist of four to whom I applied, who could tell me
any of the things I am interested in knowing. He writes in
substance: "The Bride and Sweetheart are common northern species,
as are most of the other members of the group. The Amatrix,
with its red wings, is called the Sweetheart because amor means
love, and red is love's own colour.


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