The term is derived from the Roman goddess Luna. The Luna moth ( Actias luna) is one of the most fascinating moths in North America. The insect’s wings appear to have moon-like eyespots, which are known as ‘lunas.’ In three to four weeks, the luna moth caterpillar will have a length of about 2.5 inches, and it will typically be able to be plucked five times. Many insect species can be kept in the house, including some spectacular tropical ones. Because of the damage that can be done to their wings, these animals are not suitable for human interaction. Adult winged creatures can go from caterpillars to fully grown adults in as little as 10 days, after being metamorphosed for up to 12 months.

Giant silk moths, also known as lunas, are commonly found in Asia. If cocoons don’t produce moths within 4 to 8 weeks of hatching, it’s most likely diapause (hibernation). They must fly after the wings have dried and hardened for at least two to three hours. It takes about a month for a Luna moth to emerge from the cocoon. The time it takes for a caterpillar to turn into a moth varies depending on the species, but it usually takes about two weeks. Luna moths spend about two weeks in their cocoons before they emerge as adults. Most cocoons are brown or gray, but the Luna moth’s cocoon is white. The cocoon protects the pupa as it grows and changes into an adult moth. Interesting Facts: As they are attracted by light, your best chance at spotting a Luna Moth would be in the evening near artificial sources of light.Luna moth caterpillars spin a cocoon of silk around themselves before they pupate, or turn into moths. Southern moths may breed 2 to 3 times per year. Northern moths usually only breed once per year in June. Within 3 weeks the adult Luna Moth emerges from the pupa usually in the morning to allow for the sun to dry their wings before their first flight. In a week the eggs hatch into tiny, hungry caterpillars that will molt five times before they encase themselves into a papery cocoon. The eggs are laid the next couple of nights in small groups on the leaves of the host plants. Mating typically takes place around midnight. Life Cycle/Nesting: Female Luna Moths emit a pheromone (a chemical substance) that attracts the males. Scientists recently discovered that the long twisted hind wings scatter reflected sounds that confuse the echolocation hunting method of bats. At night Luna Moths have a strategy to evade capture by bats. If a Luna Moth is about to be attacked it will defend itself by rearing up its head, making clicking sounds, and regurgitating a foul-tasting liquid. It’s wing coloration helps it stay camouflaged to avoid being eaten. As adults the Luna Moths do not feed.īehavior: Like most moths, the Luna Moth is active at night and rests by day.

They live in deciduous hardwood forests.įood/Host Plants: Caterpillars feed on the leaves of Sweet Gum, Hickory, Sumac, Walnut and White Birch trees. Habitat: Luna Moths are unique to North America and can commonly be found as far north as Nova Scotia, down into southern Florida, west to Saskatchewan and the Gulf Coast of eastern Texas. They are a pale green color each with a transparent eye spot and edged with pinkish/yellowish margins. Identification: These spectacular moths have a wing span of 3” to 4”.

Lunar moth chrysalis