His wings
folded over each other. The abdomen and the antennae were invisible,
because they were laid flat on the costa of each wing.
The female clung to the board, in any position in which she was
placed. Her tongue readily uncoiled, showing its extreme length,
and curled around a pin. With a camel'shair brush I gently spread
her wings to show how near they were the size of the male's, and
how much larger her body was.
Her fore-wings were a trifle lighter in colour than the male's, and
not so broken with small markings. The back wings were very
similar. Her antennae stood straight out from the head on each
side, of their own volition and differed from the male's. It has
been my observation that in repose these moths fold the antennae
as shown by the male. The position of the female was unnatural.
In flight, or when feeding, the antennae are raised, and used as
a guide in finding food flowers. A moth with broken antennae seems
dazed and helpless, and in great distress.
I have learned by experience in handling moths, that when I induce
one to climb upon bark, branch, or flower for a study, they seldom
place their wings as I want them.
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