156 
MOTHS AND BUTTERFLIES. 
dark brown extends along the outer margin of the lower wings, the rest 
of the wing being yellow. The body is bluisli-gray and brown, with 
lines and bands of black. From the sides of the body spring tufts of 
hairs, and three spreading plumes of long yellowish-brown hairs adorn 
the end of the abdomen. These latter the insect can spread or contract 
Thyreus abbotii. 
at pleasure, and are no doubt of value in guiding its rapid flight. The 
caterpillar of this moth feeds on the leaves of the Virginia creeper, 
and in its markings closely resembles a section of the stem of the vine. 
