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Stratton-Porter, Gene, 1863-1924

"Moths of the Limberlost"

The trick was a
complete success. Soon I had an exposure on two. After they had
faced the camera once, and experienced no injury, like the birds,
they accepted it as part of the landscape. The work was so
fascinating, and the pictures on the ground glass so worth while,
that before I realized what I was doing, half a dozen large plates
were gone, and for this reason, work with the cardinals that day
ended at noon. This is why I feel that at times in bird work the
moths literally `thrust themselves' upon me.

CHAPTER XIII The Modest Moth: Triptogon Modesta

Of course this moth was named Modesta because of modest colouring.
It reminds me of a dove, being one of my prime favourites. On wing
it is suggestive of Polyphemus, but its colours are lighter and softer.
Great beauty that Polyphemus is, Modesta equals it.
Modesta belongs to the genus Triptogon, species Modesta--hence the
common name, the Modest moth. I am told that in the east this moth
is of stronger colouring than in the central and western states.


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