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Butterflies and Butterfly-Catching: Moths

WE will now proceed to say a few words about Moths, which are very numerous, and, like the butterflies, they undergo three changes. The easiest mode of distinguishing them we have already noticed. We can in this place only indicate the best and easiest manner of capturing and preserving these insects. No detailed discussion is possible, and to give a list of even the common individuals would occupy too much space. So we pass at once to relate the best method of capturing and preserving these insects. Moths, as a rule, fly by night, so the net is required as in the case of the butterfly, and the common ring-net is the easiest to use. Night-time is chosen for the excursion, and a few "properties" are requisite. First, boil some coarse moist sugar and beer together, with this mix a little rum, the newer the better, and keep the mixture tightly corked until required. This method is termed "sugaring," and is thus practised in company with a lanthorn, a net, and the usual pins and pocket-boxes. Go to some place where there are trees, and upon the trunks pin a number of pieces of rag previously soaked in the attractive mixture aforesaid. Then you can go away for a time, and after a half hour or so you may return with your lighted lanthorn to find the moths enjoying themselves immensely on the attractive rags, or sitting stupified with the rum. Their capture is then an easy task.

The next business is to set them, as already described, on a board, which is merely flat or rounded cork glued upon boards with a space between, not forgetting to extend the wings with the triangular cardboard slips. The moths should now be left to dry, and, to prevent the ravages of the all-destroying mite, we quote the following from the excellent handbook by the Rev. J. G. Wood on "Moths," published by Messrs. Routledge, a book all collectors should possess. "Make a solution of corrosive sublimate in spirits of wine, so strong that when a black feather is dipped in it and then dried a white frosty dust will appear upon the surface. Continue to weaken it by the addition of spirit until the white effluescence has disappeared. The solution will then be of proper strength." This is rank poison and should be handled with care. The moths should then be dipped into the solution, the moisture adhering to the ends of the wings being taken off with blotting-paper. Shake the insect before the fire or in the sun-light and expose it to a strong draught. No down will thus be disturbed.

Some moths must be stuffed as a horrid "grease" exudes from them. These are large-bodied moths. The abdomen should be removed and the body filled up with cotton-wool. A little of the poisoned solution added will keep away mites. Then replace the abdomen with diamond cement.

Those who wish to rear moths will find full directions in Mr. Wood's interesting book together with descriptions of the various kinds of moths. The price of the book is One Shilling.