Where’s Wildlife · Moth Field Guide
Actias luna
Long trailing tails and moonlike eyespots give this green silk moth its distinctive appearance.
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MOTH FIELD NOTES
Adults have an eyespot on each wing and a long tail on each hindwing. Males have broader, more feathery antennae than females. The gallery includes individual adults and a mating pair. [1]
Compare the field photographs below. Select any image to browse the full gallery.
Females lay eggs singly or in small groups. Caterpillars feed on tree leaves and spin leaf-wrapped cocoons that may fall with autumn leaves. Northern populations commonly use White Birch; host preferences differ farther south. [1]
Adult Luna Moths have reduced mouthparts and do not eat. Their brief adult lives are devoted to mating and egg laying, using energy stored during the caterpillar stage. [1]
Explore reported Luna Moth sightings. Observation records show where people have documented this species and are not a complete range map.
[1] UF/IFAS Extension — Luna Moth
Adult identification, host-tree preferences, cocoons, and reproduction.