Luna Moth – Actias luna

Luna Moth– Actias luna Common Name: Luna Moth Latin Name: Actias luna Appearance: The adult Luna Moth is a giant moth with a 100-115 mm wingspan. The forewings are lime green with a transparent area, while the hindwings are pale green with long, curving tails. The larvae are green with yellow stripes and have a series of small spines along their backs.

• Egg:The eggs are small and round, about 1.5 mm in diameter, and pale green. They are laid in groups of 4-6 on the leaves of host plants.
• Pupae:The pupae are reddish-brown and about 40-50 mm long. They are formed in a cocoon made of silk and leaves.
• Larva:The larvae are green with yellow stripes and have a series of small spines along their backs. They are about 50-75 mm in length when fully grown.
• Adults:The adult Luna Moth is a giant moth with a 100-115 mm wingspan. The forewings are lime green with a transparent area, while the hindwings are pale green with long, curving tails.

Host plants: The Luna Moth primarily feeds on the leaves of deciduous trees, including birch (Betula spp.), hickory (Carya spp.), walnut (Juglans spp.), and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua). Territory: The Luna Moth is found throughout much of North America, from the eastern United States to central Canada. Damages caused by Luna Moth:  The larvae of the Luna Moth can cause defoliation of host plants, but they generally do not cause significant damage. Life history and Habits: The Luna Moth overwinters as a pupa in a cocoon made of silk and leaves. In the spring, the moths emerge and mate, and the females lay eggs on the leaves of host plants. The larvae hatch and begin to feed, and they go through several instars before pupating inside a cocoon. The entire life cycle can take several months, depending on the climate and the availability of host plants. The adult Luna Moth does not feed and typically only lives for about a week. The Luna Moth is well known for its beautiful appearance and is often considered a symbol of transformation and renewal.