Chinese Moon Moth
Common NameChinese Moon Moth
Scientific NameActias selene
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilySaturniinae
Wingspan (mm)100
Primary Colorspale green, yellow, reddish-brown
HabitatForests, woodlands, subtropical and tropical regions
Geographic RangeAsia (India, China, Southeast Asia)
Host PlantsLiquidambar, Prunus, Salix, Rhus, Betula
Flight PeriodMultiple broods from spring to autumn, depending on region
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plant leaves, hatching into green caterpillars that feed voraciously. They pupate in a silk cocoon, often among leaf litter, before emerging as the adult moth.
Identification TipsLook for its distinctive pale green coloration, large size, prominent eyespots with a black and white center, and the very long, curved tails on the hindwings, which are longer than those of the American Luna Moth.
Description
This large, pale green moth features prominent eyespots on all four wings and long, elegant tails on its hindwings. The wing margins are outlined with a reddish-brown and yellow band.
