NOCTURNAL LEPIDOPTERA. 



THE night moths, or millers (nocturnal hpidoptera) are distinguished from all other butterflies by their feelers, 

 which taper from their base to the point and are often feather-like ; by their wings which, when at rest, are shut 

 upper-side outward and more or less steep or roof-like over their bodies. 



The different families have been arranged in seven groups, of which the first three embrace the larger moths. 

 These three groups lead gradually from one to another with no distinct line of demarcation, so that often a spinner 

 is taken for an owlet, or a geometer for a spinner. Therefore, if a specimen cannot be found in the group that it 

 seems to resemble it will be found in another similar to it. The last groups contain the smaller moths, which are 

 mostly recognized by parts of their heads and veins of their wings, too minute for consideration in this book. 

 Only a few, therefore, of each family are represented to give an idea of their character. On account of the great 

 number of moths, the majority of which are so nearly alike in coloration and size, as well as the variations in size 

 and color among themselves, the females often being double the size of the males, it is always difficult to 

 determine the name of a moth which has no decided markings. Even their own wear and tear make them often 

 unrecognizable. 



Abbreviations used in the descriptions are as follows : f. for forewing, h. for hindwing, c. for food plant of the 

 caterpillar. The word " like " is used, meaning similar in shape and marking, but not in color and size. 



54127 



