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NATURE-STUDY 



structivc, and shows well how the insect is adapted for sucking 

 nectar from deci>tubed flowers, such as the honeysuckle, 

 lily, etc. The moth may be seen fl}'ing about the flower 

 beds toward dusk. Because the wings are kept in a state 

 of rapid vibration it is called the Humming-bird Moth. 



It is about as large 

 as a humming-bird. 

 It is also called the 

 Hawk-moth. It be- 

 longs to the group 

 of moths known as 

 Sphinx -moths. 

 Other common 

 moths of this group 

 are the Grape Vine 

 Caterpillar, the 

 White-lined Sphinx- 

 moth, and the Bum- 

 blebee-hawk Moths, 

 also called Clear 

 Wings from the 

 transparency of 

 their wings. 



Another remarkable family of moths is that of the Giant 

 Silk-worm. This includes the Cecropia, Promethea, lo, and 

 Luna Moths, all of which are very large and beautiful. 



The Cecropia-moth is the largest of our moths, measuring 

 sometimes over six inches from tip to tip of wing. Its 

 general color is dusky brown, with blending borders and 

 spots of black, red, and white. The body of the moth is 

 very thick and plump, and it has a pair of large feath- 



FiG. 87. Caterpillar of Cecropia-moth, 



