About the Luna Moth
Luna Moths are huge moths, with a wingspan of four and a half inches. They have a white body, pinkish legs, and huge pale green wings. The hindwings have eyespots and long tails. They fly, only at night, in Spring and early Summer. The female Luna Moth lays eggs on the bottom of Black Walnut leaves. She lays about 200 eggs in small groups. Luna Moths were once very common, but are now considered an endangered species in some areas.
Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Saturniidae
Genus: Actias
Species: luna
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Saturniidae
Genus: Actias
Species: luna
Location & Habitat
Usually found in forested areas. In southern Canada it occurs from Nova Scotia to Saskatchewan. In the United States, it is found in every eastern state from Maine south to Florida and west to eastern Texas and eastern North Dakota.
Human Impact
People rarely see Luna Moths, mostly because they fly late at night. It is a treat to see one, because they are very beautiful insects. Humans have caused Luna Moths to become endangered by pollution and loss of habitat. Luna Moth caterpillars do not do much damage to trees.
Interesting Facts
- You can tell a male from a female, because males have larger, bushier antennae
- Female Luna Moths release a chemical at night which attracts males and adults die shortly after mating or laying eggs
- The luna moth gets its name from its moon-like spots
Sources
- http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Actias-luna
- http://www.wildflorida.com/wildlife/insects/images/lunaMothTravisBlunden.jpg
- http://fairiemoon.typepad.com/.a/6a00e555016514883401156f4fc4cf970c-800wi
- http://andreabadgley.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/lunamoth.jpg?w=480&h=360
- https://c1.staticflickr.com/7/6086/6114469715_92393c7363_z.jpg
- http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/luna_moth.htm
- http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/moths/luna_moth.htm