Their legs are long, and
not so hairy as is the rule. They have none of the blind, aimless,
helpless appearance of moths that do not feed. They exercise
violently in the pupa cases before they burst the shields, and when
they emerge their eyes glow and dilate. They step with firmness
and assurance, as if they knew where they wanted to go, and how to
arrive. They are of direct swift flight, and much experience and
dexterity are required to take them on wing.
Both my Carolina moths emerged in late afternoon, about four
o'clock, near the time their kind take flight to hunt for food.
The light was poor in the Cabin, so I set up my camera and focused
on a sweetbrier climbing over the back door.
The newly emerged moth was travelling briskly in that first
exercise it takes, while I arranged my camera; so by the time
I was ready, it had reached the place to rest quietly until
its wings developed. Carolina climbed on my finger with all
assurance, walked briskly from it to the roses, and clung there
firmly.
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