NOCTUIDS. 
61 
Tlie genus Catocala is very well represented in tins country, and 
is of more interest to tlie collector than any other class of the 
Noctuidse, both on account of the large size of many of the species 
and also for their great beauty. These insects frequently measure 
three inches or more across the expanded wings. The upper wings 
are usually brown or gray with numerous zigzag lines running across 
them, while the lower wings are frequently crossed with broad black 
bars, alternating with bands of red, yellow or white. The lower 
wings are hidden from view when the moths are at rest. The larvae 
feed on various forest trees, oak and hickory being their most com¬ 
mon food plant. Both the larvae and tlie perfect moths are protected 
by their resemblance in color to the bark of trees, and only careful 
and diliigent search will enable one to find them. There are eighty 
or more species of this genus native to this country, and a large 
number of varieties which have been given separate names. Tlie 
identification of some of the species is difficult, both on account of 
their variation and the obscurity of their markings. 
Catocala cara is one of tlie most common moths of this genus as 
well as one of the largest and finest. 
It loves to fly along water-courses at night, particularly where 
tliejr are bordered on either side with forests, and on this account 
may often be found in the daytime hiding on the underside of the 
boards and beams of bridges, and I have myself taken thirty-seven 
specimens of this fine moth under one bridge in less than an hour. 
If one knows of such a place, he may visit it every day from the 
middle of August to the last of September and be tolerably certain 
of finding specimens of this and sometimes one or two other species. 
Where trees overhang the water, too, one may look for this insect 
with good chances of success in finding it. 
The larva of this insect lives on willow and may sometimes be 
found descending the trunk of a tree preparatory to burrowing under 
the leaves to undergo its transformations. The scales of all these 
moths seem to be very loosely attached, and the greatest care is nec¬ 
essary in handling them. I make it a rule never to touch one with 
my fingers for fear of injuring it. When a moth of this kind is 
seen on the trunk of a tree do not try to use tlm net for its capture 
but place the open end of the poison jar over it and when it flies 
into the trap put on the cover and the insect is safe. Each specimen 
should be taken out and placed in an envelope or collecting paper 
before another one is put into the jar. Although many of the Cato- 
