CHAPTER IX The Sweetheart and the Bride:  Catocala Amatyix—­ Catocala Neogama

There are no moths so common with us as these, for throughout their season, at any time one is wanted, it is sure to be found either on the sweetbrier clambering over the back wall, among the morning-glories on one side, the wistaria and wild grape on the other, or in the shade of the wild clematis in front.  On very sunny days, they leave the shelter of the vines, and rest on the logs of the Cabin close the roof of the verandas.  Clinging there they appear like large grey flies, for they are of peculiar shape, and the front wings completely cover the back when in repose.  A third or a half of the back wings show as they are lifted to balance the the moths when walking over vines and uncertain footing.  They are quite conspicuous on our Cabin, because it is built of the red cedar of Wisconsin; were it of the timber used by our grandfathers, these moths with folded wings would be almost indistinguishable from their surroundings.

Few moths can boast greater beauty.  The largest specimen of the ‘Sweetheart’ that homes with us would measure three and one half inches if it would spread its wings full width as do the moths of other species.  No moth is more difficult to describe, because of the delicate blending of so many intangible shades.  The front wings are a pale, brownish grey, with irregular markings of tan, and dark splotches outlined with fine deep brown lines.  The edges are fluted and escalloped, each raised place being touched with a small spot of tan, and above it a narrow escalloped line of brown.  The back wings are bright red, crossed by a circular band of brownish black, three-fourths of an inch from the base, a secondary wider band of the same, and edged with pale yellow.

There is no greater surprise in store for a student of moths than to locate a first Catocala Amatrix, and see the softly blended grey front wings suddenly lift, and the vivid red of the back ones flash out.  The under sides of the front wings are a warm creamy tan, crossed by wide bands of dark brown and grey-brown, ending in a delicate grey mist at the edges.  The back wings are the same tan shade, with red next the abdomen, and crossed by brown bands of deeper shade than the fore-wings.  The shoulders are covered with long silky hair like the front wings.  This is so delicate that it becomes detached at the slightest touch of vine or leaf.  The abdomen is slightly lighter in colour on top, and a creamy tan beneath.  The legs are grey, and the feet to the first joint tan, crossed by faint lines of brown.