SCALE-WINGED INSECTS. 287 



Fig. 221. The Berenice. 



we divide into two groups, the Crepuscularia ( Crepus- 

 cula, twilight), Twilight-fliers, or Hawk Moths, and the 

 Nocturna, or True Moths. Linnaeus called the Hawk 

 Moths Sphinxes, from the peculiar attitude, resembling 

 the sculptured Sphinx, so often assumed by the cater- 

 pillars of these Moths. Most of the species in this genus 

 are Twilight-fliers, but not all ; for some fly about in 

 bright sunlight, sucking the nectar of flowers with their 

 long trunks. These species are more brilliantly colored 

 than the common species, which have a dull brownish- 

 gray aspect, like the owls, whose habits are similar. The 

 larvae of the Hawk Moths, on going into the pupa state, 

 either inclose themselves in cocoons, or bury themselves 

 in the ground. The perfect insects make a loud hum- 

 ming sound in their flight. The Humming-bird Moth is 

 one of the most beautiful of the diurnal species, and is 

 remarkable for the loudness of the humming sound which 

 it makes while feeding poised on its wings. 



489. The Nocturna, or True Moths, are by far the most 

 extensive group of the order. They are much like most 

 of the Sphinxes, but their antenna? are very different, be- 

 ing broad at the base, and tapering to a point at the end. 

 The Cecropia, Fig. 1 86, is one of the most splendid of 

 these Moths. The Silkworm Moth belongs to this group; 

 ^o do all that variety of Moths, or Millers, that fly about 

 19 



