WEALTH OF INSECT LIFE 



193 



larvse of these insects are commonly called caterpillars. 

 Lepidoptera is composed of two Greek derivatives: 

 XeTrt?, lepis, scale, and irrepov, pteron, wing. These scale- 

 winged insects are divided into moths, skippers, and 

 butterflies, dependent upon habits and structure of the 

 antennae. (Figs. 167, 169, 170.) 



FIG. 166. The "humming-bird" moth (Phlegethontius celeus) with proboscis 

 extended, to show its length about one-half natural size. From a photograph. 



Moths. Nearly all moths are night-flyers. Some 

 fold the wings when at rest, longitudinally and fre- 

 quently roof-like upon the side of the body; others 

 retain the wings horizontally. Many moths find pro- 

 tection in their color resemblance to objects upon which 

 they rest. 



Skippers are so called from their uneven manner of 



flight; when resting upon some flower or damp spot 

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