84 MORE REMARKS ON FLORA AND FAUNA 



are obscurely tinged with several hues — brownish, reddish, 

 whitish, with an ocellated brown spot on each of the 

 wings. The insect cannot be properly described in words, 

 the colouring is altogether so undecided and peculiar. 



It is not a scarce moth, but it is very local, and it is 

 difficult to find, and to capture when found. The usual 

 way of obtaining it is to procure the larva, and await its 

 development. By this means a perfect specimen of the 

 moth is obtained. The larvae harbour in hollow stems of 

 the gum-tree, and are difficult to find. The best plan is 

 to hire a blackfellow to climb the trees and test the 

 branches. The acute aborigine is an adept at finding 

 hollow places, and the creatures of all kinds that harbour 

 in such retreats, and he will procure a dozen larvae before 

 the novice can discover one. They are seldom found at 

 a less height than sixty to eighty feet from the ground, 

 and the moth itself flies very high, never coming within 

 reach of the net of a collector standing on the ground. It 

 is absolutely necessary to climb the trees they frequent to 

 effect a capture, and much patience must be exercised, 

 much disappointment endured, if the moth hunter would 

 be successful in his pursuit. Some poor persons turn an 

 honest penny by the capture and sale of these moths, which 

 are sought after as curiosities. From ten to twenty shillings 

 are demanded for good specimens ; but perfect insects, 

 such as a naturalist requires, are seldom to be obtained in 

 this manner. The body of the moth is so large that it must 

 be cleaned and stuffed, or the specimen soon becomes 

 worthless. 



The giant-moth flies swiftly as well as at a great height. 

 It may be seen shooting over the tops of the tallest gum- 

 trees, and the higher the collector ventures to climb, the 

 greater is his chance of effecting a capture. He should 

 keep close in to the trunk, and remain motionless until the 

 moment comes for him to use his net. He will find it 

 better, however, to rely on larvae for specimens, as owing 

 to the size and strength of the insect it is almost impossible 

 to capture it uninjured. 



Giant-moths are seldom seen abroad until after mid- 



