174 INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLLECTING INSECTS. 



are but little known, and it is particularly to tliem tliat the following 

 instructions must be understood to apply, while at the same time they 

 are applicable to the diurnal species. 



The second section, to which the attention of students and observers 

 is specially called, is composed of the sphinges, or haiak-moths, and 

 millers or moths, and known as Heterocera. Their antennce are of vari- 

 ous forms, and never dub-shaped at the extremity; their flight is usually 

 nocturnal, and their icings, in repose, ivith a feio exceptions, are flat. 

 The merest novice in entomology, by keeping in mind these marks of 

 distinction, can have no difficulty in recognizing the members! of these 

 two great groups. The nocturnal lepidoptera or heterocera differ 

 greatly in size, some being very large and beautiful; others, again, 

 are small, even minute, and their colors frequently sombre and dull ; 

 but it is hoped that none will be neglected on account of this diminutive 

 size or unattractive appearance. When, however, the specimens are 

 minute a certain degree of manipulative delicacy, acquired by prac- 

 tice, is requisite either to pin them successfully or to set the wings 

 subsequently. For this purpose small pins, manufactured especially 

 for this use, may be procured. Those made in London are preferable 

 either to the German or French. 



now TO COLLECT LEPIDOPTERA. 



The body and wings of lepidoptera are covered by minute scales, 

 which are attached by a slender stalk to the external surface. They 

 are easily detached from their connections, and it is very important 

 that the collector should avoid, as much as possible, denuding the 

 surface whilst taking specimens, or manipulating them alter their 

 capture. Badly denuded specimens are quite worthless, because, 

 when the peculiar markings or ornamentation of the wings are effaced 

 or injured, they are not attractive objects for the cabinet, and if new, 

 a good specific description cannot be made from them. This caution 

 should attract, therefore, the particular attention of every one who 

 undertakes to collect. Moths shoidd never he taken by the wings ivith 

 the fingers. If no other means of securing them is at hand, it is far 

 better to permit them to enjoy their life and liberty than to endeavor 

 to make specimens of Avhat would be only an incumbrance to any col- 

 lection. When it is necessary to seize them, either for the purpose of 

 pinning or to cripple them after capture, it must be done according to 

 a prescribed mode, in the application of which the specimen is sub- 

 jected to the least possible injury. In order to accomplish this the 

 insect is seized firmly with the thumb and forefinger by the sides of 

 the thorax, beneath the ivings, or, rather, in such a manner as to elevate 

 them and hold them immovable. The pressure is applied at the base 

 of the wings, and must be firm and steady, for the insect is able to 

 make strong resistance with the muscles of the thorax, and is liable 

 to escape. 



It would, perhaps, he proper to mention here that two divisions of 

 lepidoptera are frequently mentioned by name in entomological works, 

 the one as macro-lepidoptera, including the rhopalocera, s])hinges, 

 bombyces, geometrides, and noctuides ; the other as micro-lepidoptera 



