Actias luna
"Luna Moth"
Family: Saturniidae
The luna moth, is a large moth with a wingspan of approximately 7.6 - 10.2 cm (3 - 4 inches). It's size and brilliant lime green coloration make the luna moth a delight to behold. The luna moth is a nocturnal species that inhabits the North American forests from Canada to Northern Mexico. The luna moth has lime green wings. All four wings have eye spots and the hind wings have long tails. The spring brood has pink to red borders on the leading edge of the forewings. In southern regions the summer brood, and all northern populations have a yellow border on the wings. Males and females appear similar except for the antennae. Females have narrow plumose antenna, while males antenna are much wider. Adult luna moths do not feed.
Luna moth caterpillars are lime green with orange spots on their sides. The primary food is white birch, alder, persimmon, sweet gum, hickory, walnut, or sumac trees.
Robert Hayes
Ent 301; Fall 2000
