MOTHS OF THE LIMBERLOST 



the shields, and when they emerge their eyes glow and 

 dilate. They step with firmness and assurance, as if 

 they knew where they wanted to go, and how to arrive. 

 They are of direct swift flight, and much experience and 

 dexterity are required to take them on wing. 



Both my Carolina moths emerged in late afternoon, 

 about four o'clock, near the time their kind take flight 

 to hunt for food. The light was poor in the Cabin, so I 

 set up my camera and focused on a sweetbrier climbing 

 over the back door. At that hour the sun was so low 

 there was not good light in the garden on anything 

 native to Carolina; besides, I had seen a free moth of 

 this species darting over the roses the previous evening 

 hunting sweets, so I knew I would be right in picturing 

 one there. 



The newly emerged moth was travelling briskly in 

 that first exercise it takes, while I arranged my camera; 

 so by the time I was ready, it had reached the place to 

 rest quietly until its wings developed. Carolina climbed 

 on my finger with all assurance, walked briskly from it 

 to the roses, and clung there firmly. 



The wet wings dropped into position, and the sun 

 dried them rapidly. I fell in love with my subject. He 

 stepped around so jauntily in comparison with most 

 moths. The picture he made while clinging to the roses 

 during the first exposure was lovely. The flowers were 

 at their prime, and their delicate pinks and greens made 



