North American Luna Moth
Common NameNorth American Luna Moth
Scientific NameActias luna
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilySaturniinae
Wingspan (mm)100
Wing Patterneyespot
Primary Colorspale green, pink, white
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Canada to Florida and eastern Texas
Host Plantssweetgum, hickory, walnut, persimmon, birch
Flight PeriodApril to July (varies by latitude, multiple broods in the south)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; eggs are laid on host plants, larvae are bright green caterpillars, and pupation occurs in a silk cocoon among leaf litter. Adults are short-lived (about a week) and do not feed.
Identification TipsLook for its distinctive lime-green color, large size, long hindwing tails, and the characteristic eyespots on all four wings. The reddish-pink to purplish-brown leading edge of the forewings is also a key identifier.
Description
This large, pale green moth features prominent eyespots on both forewings and hindwings, bordered by yellow and black. Its hindwings extend into long, elegant tails, and the leading edge of the forewings is bordered with a reddish-pink band.
