The Females (especially of the Moth Kinds) seldom, if ever, take Wing till they have been cocked: they often continue in Conjunction twelve Hours and more, after which the Female lays her Eggs, flies about for a Time, and then dies.—The Females of some Kinds are without Wings.
The Males (of some Species) have a surprizing Quickness and Distinction in their Sense of Smelling, exceeding that of the Blood-Hound, or any other Creature yet known; for if a Female be concealed in a Box, and there are any Males within half a Mile or more, they will fly directly to the Place, and hover round it. By this Means a Dozen Male Egger-Moths have been taken in an Hour’s Time, and that at about Twelve o’Clock at Noon, as may be seen in the Account of the Egger-Moth.
Their Continuance in the Fly State depends greatly on the Weather, many Flies being destroyed as soon as bred, by Storms of Hail, &c. but if the Season proves favourable, many will live for a Fortnight, three Weeks, or longer, and some even all the Winter through.
The Distinction of Moths and Butterflies.
MOTHS and BUTTERFLIES agree in their Progression from the Egg to the Fly State, are different when in that State, in the following Particulars.
BUTTERFLIES have a Ball or Knob at the Extremity of each of their Antennæ, or Horns.
The Horns of MOTHS have not such Balls or Knobs, but are constantly threaded or pointed: except the Males of some Species, whose Horns are ramified, or in the Form of Combs.
All BUTTERFLIES settle with their Wings erect, and generally keep them in that Posture, unless when basking in the Sun.
Most MOTHS do not settle with their Wings erect, but place them horizontally, or inclining to their Feet.
All BUTTERFLIES come abroad by Day-Light, and chiefly when the Sun shines bright.