THE MOTHS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



Field Work. 



Several methods of moth collecting are in vogue, but space 

 will only permit of a few of those most frequently practised 

 being here referred to, and those suitable for day work will 

 first be considered. Although small woods should not be 

 neglected, large tracts of woodland afford the moth hunter the 

 best chance 

 of success 

 in searching 

 for those 

 species that 

 usually sit 

 during the 

 daytime on 

 the trunks of 

 trees. Many 

 of the moths 

 that rest in 

 this way so 

 admirably 

 blend with 

 their sur- 

 roundings 

 that they 

 may easily be 

 overlooked ; 

 others by 



their resemblance to feathers, birds' excrement, etc.* are also 

 apt to escape detection. Tree trunks, too, abound in moth-like 

 scars, blotches, and knobs, so that the beginner will frequently 

 fail to readily distinguish a moth from such objects, or from the 

 Others mentioned. A little practice will soon enable him to tell 



Fig. 7. 

 Drinker-moth at rest. 



