MOTHS OF THE LIMBERLOST 



and on each of three rings of the abdominal shield there 

 are in many cases a pair of tiny hooks, very slight pro- 

 jections, yet enough to be of use. Some lepidopterists 

 think the pupa works head first to the surface, pushing 

 with the abdomen. To me this seems impossible. The 

 more one forced the blunt head against the earth the 

 closer it would pack, and the delicate tongue shield 

 surely would break. There is no projection on the head 

 that would loosen or lift the earth. 



One prominent lepidopterist I know, believes the moth 

 emerges underground, and works its way to the surface 

 as it fights to escape a cocoon. I consider this an utter 

 impossibility. Remember the earth-encrusted cicada 

 cases you have seen clinging to the trunks of trees, 

 after the insect has reached the surface and abandoned 

 them. Think what would happen to the dehcate moth 

 head, wings, and downy covering! I am willing to 

 wager all I possess, that no lepidopterist, or any ama- 

 teur, ever found a freshly emerged moth from an under- 

 ground case with the faintest trace of soil on its 

 head or feet, or a particle of down missing; as there un- 

 questionably must be, if it forced its way to freedom 

 through the damp spring earth with its mouth and 

 feet. 



The point was settled for me when, while working 

 in my garden, one came through the surface within 

 a few inches of my fingers, working with the tip of 



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