Luna Moth

 

 

 

 

 Wing

 Wing

 Cocoon looking in

Antennae

 

Luna moths are one of the most striking of the North American Saturniidae. Well-known for their green-yellow colors and long tails, they are often seen in pictures but a real surprise when found in nature. Although they are common throughout the eastern U.S., their night flying habits and short life span as an adult moth (about 1 week) combine to make them a rare find. They tend to appear early in the southern states, usually about March or April. There are probably three broods per year in these regions. In the more northern states, there are two broods per year. The coloration of the wing edge is darker in moths that have overwintered in cocoons. Moths that do not overwinter normally have a more pinkish appearance to the edge of the forewings. The adult Luna moth is indeed a beautiful sight. The wingspan is 4-5 inches with tails often reaching 3 inches in length. Its lime green color is rather unusual for butterflies and moths. Its sheer white body is strongly contrasted with maroon-pink legs. The top outside of the wing also has this shade of maroon-pink. The small eyespots on the wings make for a beautiful animal!

 

 

 

 Eye

 Moon Spot

 Stripe on back

 


As caterpillars, they eat many kinds of tree leaves. They prefer sweetgum, walnut, and persimmon.
As with all Saturniidae moths, the luna does all its eating in the larva stage. The adult moth has no mouth and cannot eat. The Luna caterpillar is mostly a lime green with a whitish stripe running down each side. The head is brown and there are tiny red and white filaments on its back. Luna cocoons are lightly woven, usually integrating leaves and other debris as part of the cocoon. The cocoons will often have a line of small holes on one side. The pupa can often be seen through the cocoon when held up to a strong light.