Hobbies And Interests
Identification
The Luna moth can be easily recognized by its light green color, its long tail and its large size. Overall, the moth has four wings with each one, containing a distinctive transparent eye spot. The long tail is actually part of the lower wing. Outer margins of the wings often display a blue, pink or yellow hue. Another easy-to-recognize feature is its feathery antennae, which is characteristic of all moths, but not present on butterflies. These moths are very strong fliers and are attracted to lights after dark.
Taxonomy
This moth is classified in the Saturniidae family, which is divided into three subfamilies, the royal moths, buck moths and the giant silk moths -- and then into numerous genera. The Luna moth is the only North American insect in the Actias genus, but there are numerous genera within each subfamily. All these moths have a caterpillar stage, during which it often feeds on the leaves of deciduous trees. The silkworm is not a part of this family of moths.
Life Cycle
The Luna moth gets its nocturnal name because mating does not occur until long after dark. Once fertilization has taken place, the eggs are deposited by the female on the underside of tree leaves. The newly hatched caterpillars have mouth parts that can ingest plant matter. The caterpillars do this vociferously, often extensively damaging ornamental and other trees. Caterpillars go through many life stages before they enter the cocoon stage, which carries them through the winter. From the cocoon, adult moths emerge, but they have no ability to feed themselves, so the lifespan of both sexes is short-lived. Their sole purpose seems to be to mate.
Habitat
The Luna moth is attracted to deciduous forests, with its favorite targets being hickory, walnut and sumac trees, as well as white birch, sweet gum and persimmon. These moths are consumed by blue jays and mockingbirds.