MOTHS OF THE LIMBERLOST 



period in from three days to a week. Few of these gaud- 

 ily painted ones have the chance to die naturally, for 

 both birds and squirrels prej^ upon them, tearing away 

 the delicate wings, and feasting on the big pulp^- bodies. 



White eggs on the upper side of leaves of the trees 

 mentioned are a sign of Lima caterpillars in deep woods, 

 and full-grown larvae can be found on these trees in 

 August. By breaking off a twig on which the}^ are feed- 

 ing, carrying them carefully, placing them in a box where 

 they cannot be prej'ed upon by flies and parasites, and 

 keeping a liberal supply of fresh damp leaves, they will 

 finish the feeding daj^s, and weave their cocoons. 



Or the cocoons frequently can be found already spun 

 among the leaves, by nutting parties later in the fall. 

 There is small question if Luna pupie be alive, for on 

 touching the cocoons they squirm and twist so vigor- 

 ously that they can be heard plainly. There is so little 

 difference in the size of male and female Lunas, that I 

 am not sure of telling them apart in the cocoon, as I am 

 certain I can Cecropia. 



Cocoon gathering in the fall is one of the most delightful 

 occupations imaginable. When flowers are gone; when 

 birds have migrated; when brilliant foliage piles knee 

 deep underfoot; during those last few days of summer, 

 zest can be added to a ramble by a search for cocoons. 

 Carrying them home with extreme care not to jar or dent 

 them, they are placed in the conservatory among the 



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