A point to remember in moth culture, is
to be ready for this occurrence before they emerge, if you do not
want stained frescoing, floors, and hangings.
In the sunshine and fresh air the male began to dry rapidly, and
no doubt he understood the presence of his kind, for he was much
more active than the females. He climbed the twig, walked the
twine body pendent, and was so energetic that we thought we
dared not trust him out of doors; but when at every effort to
walk or fly he only attempted to reach the females, we concluded
that he would not take wing if at liberty. By this time he was
fully developed, and so perfect he would serve for a study.
I polished the lenses, focused anew on the tree, marked the limits
of exposure, inserted a plate, and had everything ready. Then I
brought out the female, Molly-Cotton walking beside me hovering
her with a net. The moth climbed from the twig to the tree, and
clung there, her wings spread flat, at times setting them quivering
in a fluttering motion, or raising them.
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