XXX11 
THE HABITS AND STRUCTURE OF MOTHS. 
Mould occasionally attacks moths which have been stored 
in a damp place, or left too long relaxing; brushing the 
insects carefully with a fine camel’s-hair brush dipped in 
methylated spirit will remove the mould. 
Specimens may be reared from the egg, caterpillar, or 
chrysalis. It is but rarely that eggs are found, owing to 
their small size. They may be situated on the surface, or in 
chinks of bark, on twigs, leaves, and other parts of plants. 
If taken for the purpose of breeding, the plant upon which 
they have been found must be observed, as it will be re¬ 
quired as food for the caterpillars. Caterpillars may be 
reared in a breeding-cage. This consists of a box with three 
metal sides, perforated with holes to admit air, and the 
fourth side fitted with glass to admit light. The roof is 
covered with Portland cement to keep out the vertical rays 
of the sun. The bottom must have an inch or two of turf 
laid on it; and fresh food must be supplied daily, the old 
food being at the same time removed. The food is best 
gathered in the early morning. The caterpillars may be 
transferred by a fine brush from the old food to the new. 
The floor should be sprinkled with water from time to time. 
Too much light is not good for the larvae of night-flying 
moths, as a rule, and is still worse for pupae. Many larvae 
feed only at night. Some few larvae, especially those with 
very large jaws, have cannibal tendencies, and must be reared 
separately. 
W. EGMONT KIRBY. 
January 1896. 
