Protoparce Carolina is a ‘cousin’ of Celeus,
and so nearly its double that the caterpillars and
moths must be seen together to be differentiated
by amateurs; while it is doubtful if skilled scientists
can always identify the pupa cases with certainty.
Carolina is more common in the south, but it is frequent
throughout the north. Its caterpillars eat the
same food as Celeus, and are the same size. They
are a dull green, while Celeus is shining, and during
the succession of moults, they show slight variations
in colour.
They pupate in a hole in the ground. The moths
on close examination show quite a difference from
Celeus. They are darker in colour. The
fore-wings lack the effect of being laid off in lines.
The colour is a mottling of almost black, darkest
grey, lighter grey, brown, and white. The back
wings are crossed by wavy bands of brownish grey,
black, and tan colour, and the yellow markings on
the abdomen are larger.
In repose, these moths fold the front wings over the
back like large flies. In fact, in the south
they are called the `Tobacco Fly’ ; and we of
the north should add the `Tomato and Potato Fly.’
Because I thought such a picture would be of interest,
I reproduced a pair—–the male as
he clung to a piece of pasteboard in the `fly’
attitude.
Celeus and Carolina caterpillars come the nearest
being pests of those of any large moths, because they
feed on tomato, potato, and tobacco, but they also
eat jimson weed, ground cherry, and several vines
that are of no use to average folk.
The Carolina moths come from their pupa cases as featherweights
step into the sparring. They feed partially by
day, and their big eyes surely see more than those
of most other moths, that seem small and deepset
in comparison. Their legs are long, and not
so hairy as is the rule. They have none of the
blind, aimless, helpless appearance of moths that
do not feed. They exercise violently in the
pupa cases before they burst the shields, and when
they emerge their eyes glow and dilate. They
step with firmness and assurance, as if they knew
where they wanted to go, and how to arrive.
They are of direct swift flight, and much experience
and dexterity are required to take them on wing.
Both my Carolina moths emerged in late afternoon,
about four o’clock, near the time their kind
take flight to hunt for food. The light was poor
in the Cabin, so I set up my camera and focused on
a sweetbrier climbing over the back door.
The newly emerged moth was travelling briskly in that
first exercise it takes, while I arranged my camera;
so by the time I was ready, it had reached the place
to rest quietly until its wings developed.
Carolina climbed on my finger with all assurance,
walked briskly from it to the roses, and clung there
firmly.
