"Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal."—Matt. vi.
1296. Why do butterflies fly by day?
Because they are organised to enjoy light and warmth, and they live upon the sweets of flowers which by day are most accessible.
1297. Why do moths fly by night?
Because they are organised to enjoy subdued light and cool air; and as they take very little food during the short life they have in the winged state, they find sufficient by night. Some of the moths, like that of the silk-worm, take no food from the time they escape from the chrysalis until they die.
Because, also, they form the food of bats, owls, and other of the night-flying tribes.
1298. Why are the bodies of moths generally covered with a very thick down?
Because, as they fly by night, they are liable to the effects of cold and damp. The moths, therefore, are nearly all of them covered with a very thick down, quite distinguishable from the lighter down of butterflies.