the Moth, in zoology, a genus of insects belonging to the order of lepidoptera. The feelers are setaceous, and taper gradually towards the points; the wings are often bent backwards; and there are no less than 460 species.

All the creatures of this class are quiet by day, remaining fixed to the stalks or leaves of plants, except only some of the males, which are now and then found fluttering about in the woods in search of the females; but as soon as night approaches, they all fly about. This disposition is very remarkably implanted in their nature: for when kept shut up in boxes, they always remain quiet without changing place all day; but as soon as the sun is about setting, they always begin to flutter about and fly as much as their prison will permit them.