Luna Moth Facts (At A Glance)
- Scientific name: Actias luna
- Type of Animal: Insect
- Animal Family: Saturniidae (the giant silk moth family)
- Where Found: North America
- Pupae Body Length: 2.75 to 3.5 in. (7.0 to 8.9 cm)
- Adult Wingspan: 3 to 7 inches (7.6 to 17.8 cm)
- Conservation Status: Secure ( source)
What is The wingspan of a Luna moth?
The luna moth’s unique coloring, beauty, quick life cycle and rare sightings are some of the traits that inspire many people to associate it with their spiritual beliefs. One thing that makes the luna moth stand out from other moths is its unique appearance. Its wingspan can reach 4.5 inches.
How many wings does Luna moth have?
The wing pattern of a Luna moth allows the insect to easily camouflage itself when resting against tree bark or in fallen leaf litter. Eyespots are located on all four wings to confuse predators and assist in misguiding an attack to a less vulnerable location of the body.
What is the life cycle of a Lunar Moth?
Life Cycle of a Luna Moth. A luna moth goes through 4 different stages in their lifetime. They start as an egg from which they emerge as a larva, and it pupates. By the end of the pupal phase, if the environment is suitable, the adult winged moth arises.
How long is a Luna moth in a cocoon?
The luna moth caterpillar about five times for three to four weeks until it is about 2.5 inches long. At this time, it begins spinning a silken cocoon wrapped in a leaf. It cocoons for two to three weeks before emerging as an adult moth. A luna moth cuts its way out of a cocoon using tiny serrated spurs on its wings.
How big is the biggest luna moth?
Typically, it has a wingspan of roughly 114 mm (4.5 in), but can exceed 178 mm (7.0 in), making it one of the larger moths in North America.
Is it rare to see a luna moth?
Luna Moths are not rare, but are rarely seen by humans. This is due to their very brief (7–10 day) adult lives and nocturnal flying time.
How big does a luna moth caterpillar get?
2.5 inchesLuna moth caterpillars are lime green with magenta spots and sparse hairs, and a pale stripe running lengthwise just below the spiracles. They reach a length of 2.5 inches (65 mm) in their final instar.
How long does it take a luna moth to turn into a moth?
After about a month of filling up on these plants, the caterpillar builds a cocoon. The insect lives inside for about three weeks, then emerges as a moth.
Do luna moths bite or sting?
The vast majority of adult moths don't have mouths and are incapable of biting anything, much less you. For the most part, they also don't sting. However, moths begin life as larvae, called caterpillars, before they go through a metamorphosis process and emerge with wings.
Can you touch luna moth?
And while it might be tempting to touch it, it's best just to observe it from a respectful distance and count yourself lucky to have witnessed its glory. Luna moths are a variety of giant silk moth, which line their cocoons with silk.
What is the lifespan of a lunar moth?
approximately one weekLuna moths live approximately one week after emerging from the cocoon. During this time, males can fly long distances to mate with females if necessary. Once females lay eggs, they die.
What does it mean when a luna moth visits you?
Luck. It's thought that if you come across a luna moth, you're in for some good luck in the near future. Perhaps that's true, but it's also partly the reason why luna moths are considered to be symbols of luck.
How do you tell if a luna moth is male or female?
The main method for discerning the sex of adult luna moths is antennae size. Males have larger and bushier antennae than females. Female luna moths have more of a blue-green cast to their coloring compared to males who tend to have a yellow-green color.
What do you feed a luna moth?
What do LUNA MOTHS eat? Absolutely nothing! They don't have mouth parts! But luna moth caterpillars will munch on leaves from black cherry, persimmon, sweetgum, red maple, white oak, pecan, and other trees, their "host" species.
Do luna moths glow in the dark?
A glow-in-the-dark moth? Well, sort of. Luna moths have a striking yellow-green color that looks exactly like the glow of a firefly — but they don't actually have the chemical bioluminescence of one. These moths also have reflective scales that reflect light, adding to their luminous appearance.
Do luna moths like light?
Like most moths, the luna moth is nocturnal and not usually seen during the day, according to the University of Michigan(Opens in a new window). They're attracted by light, so they're often spotted near street lights or lights outside of houses and buildings. Here's more information on these magnificent creatures.
What does it mean if I see a luna moth?
It's thought that if you come across a luna moth, you're in for some good luck in the near future. Perhaps that's true, but it's also partly the reason why luna moths are considered to be symbols of luck. And maybe it is true. Perhaps it's the rarity that makes them an omen of good luck.
Why are luna moths so rare?
In fact, the use of pesticides, loss of habitat, and pollution are some of the reasons the moth is a rare sight. Although the luna moth larvae are large caterpillars that feed on the leaves of many shrubs and trees, their populations don't grow large enough to be a source of significant damage or destruction.
What is the rarest moth?
Hyalophora cecropiaCecropia mothSpecies:H. cecropiaBinomial nameHyalophora cecropia (Linnaeus, 1758)Synonyms10 more rows
What does it mean when a moth visits you?
A moth represents tremendous change, but it also seeks the light. Thus, moth spiritual meaning is to trust the changes that are happening and that freedom and liberation are around the corner. A moth omen also indicates one's habit of falling for things or people that are beyond one's reach.
How do Luna moths pupate?
The Luna moth pupates after spinning a silk cocoon, which is thin and single layered. Shortly before pupation, the final, fifth-instar caterpillar will engage in a "gut dump" where any excess water and intestinal contents are expelled. As pupae, this species is more physically active than most moths. When disturbed, the moths will wiggle within their pupal cases, producing a noise. Pupation takes approximately two weeks unless the individual is in diapause over winter, in which case the pupal stage takes about nine months. The mechanisms triggering diapause are generally a mixture of genetic triggers, duration of sunlight and temperature. The pupae have chitinous spurs near the base of the forewings. By vigorously moving about within the cocoon, these spurs tear a circular opening from which the imago emerges, the silk of the cocoon having also been weakened by the secretion of cocoonase, a protein-digesting enzyme.
What do luna moths eat?
The larvae of Luna moths feed on several different species of broadleaf trees. The larvae do not reach population densities sufficient to cause significant damage to their host trees. Tuskes listed white birch ( Betula papyrifera ), American persimmon ( Diospyros virginiana) and American sweet gum ( Liquidambar styraciflua ), plus several species of hickory ( Carya ), walnut ( Juglans) and sumac ( Rhus ). Other tree species have been identified as suitable for Actias luna larvae, but a feeding experiment that also included black cherry, cottonwood, quaking aspen, white willow, red oak, white oak and tulip tree reported very poor survival on these seven tree species even though older literature had identified them as hosts. The author suggested that host plant utilization may differ regionally, so that larvae collected from one region may not tolerate host plants readily consumed in another region. Biochemical detoxification of host plant defensive chemicals by digestive system enzymes may be a factor in regional host plant specialization. Juglone is a chemical compound common to walnut and hickory which most insects find a deterrent or even toxic. Luna moth larvae have higher concentrations of juglone-neutralizing digestive system enzymes compared to other lepidoptera, and concentrations were even higher when larvae were fed walnut or hickory leaves versus white birch or American sweet gum. This suggests evolutionary and inducible adaptations to allow consumption of certain host plants.
Why do moon moths have long tails?
Imagos (winged adults) of this and related night-flying Actias species collectively referred to as "moon moths" have long hindwing tails. A "false target" hypothesis holds that the tails evolved as a means of reducing risk of predation by bats which use echolocation to locate prey. Experiments were conducted with Luna moths with intact wings and with the tails removed. With intact wings, a majority of the attacking bats contacted the hindwing tails rather than the body of the moth; only 35% of intact moths were caught versus 81% for those with clipped tails. The results of this experiment support echolocation distortion as an effective countermeasure.
What is the moon moth?
The Luna moth ( Actias luna) also known as the American moon moth is a Nearctic moth in the family Saturniidae, subfamily Saturniinae, a group commonly known as giant silk moths. It has lime-green colored wings and a white body. The larvae (caterpillars) are also green. Typically, it has a wingspan of roughly 114 mm (4.5 in), but can exceed 178 mm (7.0 in), making it one of the larger moths in North America. Across Canada, it has one generation per year, with the winged adults appearing in late May or early June, whereas farther south it will have two or even three generations per year, the first appearance as early as March in southern parts of the United States.
What song does Big Thief use the Luna moth?
The band Big Thief references the Luna moth on their song "Strange" from the 2019 album U.F.O.F.
What is the only moth?
Although more than two dozen butterflies have been so honored, as of 2019 this is the only moth. The American rock band R.E.M. references Luna moths in their song "You" off of their 1994 album Monster . The Icelandic singer/songwriter Björk references Luna moths in her song "notget" off of her 2015 album Vulnicura .
What parasitic fly causes collateral damage to Luna moth populations?
Researchers reported that when Luna moth larvae were placed outside for about a week and then collected and returned to the laboratory, four parasitoid species emerged, the most common being C. concinnata. The researchers concluded that this parasitic fly causes collateral damage to Luna moth populations.
What are Luna moths' features?
These beautiful moths are actually incredibly interesting. They have a number of useful adaptations and odd traits. Eyespots – Like many moths and butterflies, Luna moths have eyespots on their wings. Eyespots are round marks on the wings that resemble eyes.
What is a Luna moth?
Luna Moth. Luna moths are large, beautifully colored insects. They have bright green wings and white, fuzzy bodies. Their large wings have long “tails” that sprout from the base, giving them a unique, elegant appearance.
How many eggs do Luna moths lay?
The antennas are so impressive that they can detect a female from over a mile away. After mating, female moths lay between 200 and 400 eggs. She lays the eggs one by one, or in small groups, on the leaves of the preferred host plant.
What is the life cycle of a Luna butterfly?
Luna Lifecycle – Like most butterflies and moths, this species undergoes metamorphosis to achieve its final shape. The female lays eggs, which hatch into larvae. These larvae will feed on leaves, and undergo five different molts as they grow larger. After their final molt, the larvae spins a cocoon out of silk and enters the pupae stage. Finally, after they transform in the pupae stage, the moth emerges as an imago, or its final adult form.
What is the purpose of the Luna Moth?
The eggs hatch, and the primary purpose of the larvae is to eat, and eat… and eat… and eat! Once they go through their pupae stage and emerge as an adult, the primary purpose of this insect is to reproduce.
Do Luna moths have wing tails?
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, these wing tails actually serve a purpose. Scientists believe the wing tails disrupt the echolocation of bats, one of the more skilled predators of Luna moths. Mouth Off – Even though, upon close inspection, you can see mouthparts on these moths, they serve no purpose.
Where do Luna moths live?
This moth species dwells only in North America. They live as far west as the Great Plains, and as far east as the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. In the United States one might find them from Maine, all the way down to Florida. In Canada, they live from Nova Scotia to Quebec and Saskatchewan.
How big is a luna moth?
A luna moth larva (caterpillar) is large (up to 3.5 in. (8.9 cm) and bright green in color. Its body is divided into bulbous segments, each of which has a yellow line close to the rear edge. A yellow stripe and three rows of brown-colored bumps run along each side of the caterpillar’s body.
How long does a luna moth live?
It lives off energy stored up from its pupal stage. The luna moth only lives for around seven days in its adult form. Luna moth larvae (caterpillars) feed on the leaves of a variety of broadleaf trees, including white birch, American persimmon, American sweet gum, and species of hickory, walnut and sumac.
Where Are Luna Moths Found?
In the United States, luna moths are found east of North Dakota in the north to east Texas in the south. In Canada, the species is present from Saskatchewan eastwards.
What do luna moths eat?
Other Luna Moth Facts 1 In its adult form the luna moth’s mouthparts are non-functioning and the insect does not eat. It lives off energy stored up from its pupal stage. 2 The luna moth only lives for around seven days in its adult form. 3 Luna moth larvae (caterpillars) feed on the leaves of a variety of broadleaf trees, including white birch, American persimmon, American sweet gum, and species of hickory, walnut and sumac. 4 Luna moth larvae regurgitate their food in order to deter predators, and also make a clicking sound as a warning by rubbing their serrated mandibles (jaws) together. 5 The long, tail-like extensions of the adult’s hindwings are thought to confuse the echolocation of bats that feed on the moths.
Why do moths make clicking sounds?
Luna moth larvae regurgitate their food in order to deter predators, and also make a clicking sound as a warning by rubbing their serrated mandibles (jaws) together. The long, tail-like extensions of the adult’s hindwings are thought to confuse the echolocation of bats that feed on the moths.
What is the eyebrow on a luna moth?
On each of the luna moth’s four wings is a single, pale eyespot with a darker, ‘eyebrow’-like top edge.
How long does it take for a luna moth to hatch?
A luna moth goes through five instars before pupating. It will spend a total of 6 to 7 weeks in its larval form.
How many generations does a luna moth have?
Seen primarily during spring and early summer, the moth typically produces two generations each year. Male luna moths are particularly strong fliers and may fly over relatively long distances. Female luna moths release a sex-attractant pheromone that is used to attract the male moth from a great distance.
How long does it take for a luna moth to molt?
The luna moth molts about five times for three to four weeks until it is about 2.5 inches long. At this time, it begins spinning a silken cocoon wrapped in a leaf.
What are the enemies of the Luna moth?
The luna moth's natural enemies are many, and include nocturnal creatures: Bald-faced hornets. Bats.
Why are luna moths so rare?
In fact, the use of pesticides, loss of habitat, and pollution are some of the reasons the moth is a rare sight. Although the luna moth larvae are large caterpillars that feed on the leaves of many shrubs and trees, their populations don't grow large enough to be a source of significant damage or destruction.
How do luna moths cut their way out of cocoons?
A luna moth cuts its way out of a cocoon using tiny serrated spurs on its wings. Usually emerging in the morning, the moth hangs and rests through the day to allow its wings to inflate with blood before it flies off at night to seek a mate.
What is the name of the moth that deters predators?
Predators of the Luna Moth. During its caterpillar stage, it deters predators by rearing its front end in a "sphinx-like" stance, making a clicking noise with its mandibles, and regurgitating a distasteful fluid.
What are some good plants to grow with luna moths?
Here are favorites trees of the luna moth, and along with the many flowering plants they are attracted to, such as honeysuckle and impatiens, you'll find plenty of specimens to create a beautiful moth garden : American beech. American chestnut. Black cherry.
How big are lunar moths?
Being members of the family Saturniidae, Luna moths share the same large wingspan. They usually reach an average wingspan of up to 4.5 inches while regular brown moths only reach a wingspan of about half an inch and are one ...
How long do Luna moths live?
Then adult Luna moths will emerge from their cocoons. These moths will continue the cycle of life and live their one week as moths in the wild. Their lifespan is so short partly due to them being unable to eat because they don’t have mouths.
What is the name of the green moth in the Lunesta commercial?
This exceptional insect is the Luna moth, a large green moth which is a member of a family of giant silk moths called Saturniidae. You might be most familiar with them through Lunesta, a sleeping aid brand that use them in their TV commercials.
Why are moths so noticeable?
They’re fairly noticeable when they’re around because of the flutter of their wings which further emphasize their relatively big size. What more, they usually give away their presence when they perch on light bulbs and darken the light from it. Because of this strong attraction to light, you’ll also find Luna moths fluttering around for hours on end at traffic lights, gas stations and fast food joints during night time.
What is the name of the moth that eats holes in clothing?
This exceptional insect is the Luna moth, a large green moth which is a member of a family of giant silk moths called Saturniidae.
Why are moths so disliked?
Most moths are disliked by people because of their gloomy and dull coloring. But the Luna moths are one of the brightly colored exceptions. Luna moths, scientific name Actias luna, are known for their translucent lime green color and long narrow hindwings. This combination gives them an elegant appearance especially when they’re in flight.
What plants are good hosts for moths?
These plants will also serve as the host to caterpillars and adult moths. Trees like hickory, walnut and birch are some of the most prefered by Luna moths. The eggs that the adult Luna moth laid will then hatch into caterpillars after 10 to twelve days.
How big are luna moths?
It may surprise you to know that the wingspan of these tiny insects can extend up to four and a half inches i.e. about the same length of an iPhone.
How long do luna moths live?
Recognized among the largest in North America, they have a wingspan of up to 4 ½ inches with a lifespan of just 7 days. So, they have as little as a week to do as much as they can, including reproducing before they finally perish. While adult luna moths are hard to find apart from being eye-catching, luna moth caterpillars are outstandingly finest little creatures.
What is Luna Moth Caterpillar?
The Luna moth is undoubtedly the most stunningly beautiful moth that we know of. And, there is no question that watching a caterpillar transform into a moth is an enjoyable sight, especially when you are thoroughly involved or play a dynamic role in the process. Anyone with a fondness for insects would find that raising caterpillars is not only an enjoyable but also a great learning process. Whether you’re a seasoned hobbyist or doing your first time, you will take sheer pleasure in raising Luna moth caterpillars.
How do luna moths protect themselves?
In fact, they count on various methods to protect themselves from being attacked by predators. Camouflage is one of the best methods followed by luna moths caterpillars to defend themselves. Their bright green colour is similar to the colour of the leaves it not only feeds on, but lives.
What is the name of the insect with the moon on its wings?
Founded in North America, these striking caterpillars have a circular design on their wings that bear a resemblance to the moon. Luna – meaning ‘ moon ’ – can be an obvious indication to the moon-like eyespots on the insect’s wings. These insects are also often known as moon moths or American moon moths.
How many eggs do luna moths lay?
Female luna moths will lay nearly 400-600 eggs during their shorter life span. The eggs nurture for a week or two. Once hatched, they are then hatched into caterpillars.
What is the name of the luna moth?
Well, we can express our gratitude for the name of the luna moth, Actias luna – an appropriate soubriquet for the most stunningly beautiful of all nocturnal insect creatures.
Where Can You Find A Luna Moth?
The Luna Month thrives in deciduous woods and can be commonly found in Saskatchewan, Texas, Nova Scotia, and Florida. Scientists who have extensively studied the moth believe that they have adapted to hardwood trees like birch, hickory, beech, willow, and cherry. (Source: Finger Lakes Land Trust)
Why is the moth called Luna?
This is because of the moth’s distinctive spots, which looked like translucent discs with dark crescent edges, resembling the moon when it is nearly full. It is also said that the moth was a living avatar of the moon’s cycle – at rest during the day, active by nightfall. (Source: Finger Lakes Land Trust)
How Do Luna Moths Avoid Predators?
Luna Moths rely heavily on camouflage as adults. Their large green wings with reddish-brown edges blend in well with leaf clusters. They have also evolved acoustic camouflage by twisting their long tail. This helps them evade echolocating bats. According to research done in 2015, biologists from the Boise State University found that 81% of the Luna Moths caught by bats did not have their long tails anymore. (Source: Finger Lakes Land Trust)
Why can't Luna moths eat?
Adult Luna Moths are unable to eat. Due to the lack of a digestive system and a functional mouth. Their only role as an adult is to reproduce. They must accomplish this task within a week before they pass.
Overview
In popular culture
The Luna moth appeared on a first class United States postage stamp issued in June 1987. Although more than two dozen butterflies have been so honored, as of 2019 this is the only moth.
The American rock band R.E.M. references Luna moths in two songs: "You" from their 1994 album Monster and "Boy in the Well" from their 2004 album Around the Sun.
The band Big Thief references the Luna moth on their song "Strange" from the 2019 album U.F.O.F.
Description
Eggs, attached in small groups to undersides of leaves, are mottled white and brown, slightly oval, and roughly 1.5 millimeters in diameter. Larvae are primarily green, with sparse hairs. The first instar, emerging from the egg, reaches a length of 6–8 mm (0.24–0.31 in), the second 9–10 mm (0.35–0.39 in), the third 12–16 mm (0.47–0.63 in) and the fourth 23–26 mm (0.91–1.02 in). The fifth (final) instar grows to approximately 70–90 mm (2.8–3.5 in) in length. Small, colorful dots …
Etymology
Described and named Phalena plumata caudata by James Petiver in 1700, this was the first North American saturniid to be reported in the insect literature. The initial Latin name, which roughly translates to "brilliant, feather tail", was replaced when Carl Linnaeus described the species in 1758 in the tenth edition of Systema Naturae, and renamed it Phalaena luna, later Actias luna, with luna derived from Luna, the Roman moon goddess. The common name became "Luna moth". Several …
Distribution
The Luna moth is found in North America, from east of the Great Plains in the United States – Florida to Maine, and from Saskatchewan eastward through central Quebec to Nova Scotia in Canada. Luna moths are also rarely found in Western Europe as vagrants.
Life cycle
Based on the climate in which they live, Luna moths produce different numbers of generations per year. In Canada and northern regions of the United States they are univoltine, meaning one generation per year. Life stages are approximately 10 days as eggs, 6–7 weeks as larvae, 2-3 weeks as pupae, finishing with one week as winged adults appearing in late May or early June. In the mid-Atlantic …
Predators and parasites
Some species of giant silk moth larvae are known to make clicking noises when attacked by rubbing their serrated mandibles together. These clicks are audible to humans and extend into ultrasound frequencies audible to predators. Clicks are thought to be a form of aposematic warning signaling, made prior to predator-deterring regurgitation of intestinal contents. Luna moth larvae click and regurgitate, with the regurgitated material confirmed as being a predator deterre…
Host plants
The larvae of Luna moths feed on several different species of broadleaf trees. The larvae do not reach population densities sufficient to cause significant damage to their host trees. Tuskes listed white birch (Betula papyrifera), American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) American sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua), plus several species of hickory (Carya), walnut (Juglans) and sumac (Rhus) as host plants for the caterpillars. Other tree species have been identified as suita…
Appearance
Description
- The wings have two sections, the larger forewing, which is closer to the head; and the smaller hind wing, which is closer to the rear. Each wing has two eyespots, one on the forewing and one on the hind wing. The eyespots are oval shaped, and can be black, blue, white, green, red, or yellow.
Significance
- These beautiful moths are actually incredibly interesting. They have a number of useful adaptations and odd traits.
Diet
- These moths do not require a specific feeding area as an adult, because they do not eat! However, they will seek certain areas that house preferred species of plants when they lay their eggs. Adult Luna moths do not eat at all, as their mouthparts are non-functional. The only time these insects eat is during their larval stage. As discussed above, larvae from different regions will feed on diff…
Distribution
- This moth species dwells only in North America. They live as far west as the Great Plains, and as far east as the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. In the United States one might find them from Maine, all the way down to Florida. In Canada, they live from Nova Scotia to Quebec and Saskatchewan. These moths live nowhere else in the world.
Life cycle
- The behavior of this species is relatively simple. The eggs hatch, and the primary purpose of the larvae is to eat, and eat and eat and eat! Once they go through their pupae stage and emerge as an adult, the primary purpose of this insect is to reproduce. They no longer feed, and will release hormones to attract a mate. On average, the adult form lives only 7 10 days.
Reproduction
- Male Luna moths have large antenna that help them detect the pheromones of females. The antennas are so impressive that they can detect a female from over a mile away. After mating, female moths lay between 200 and 400 eggs. She lays the eggs one by one, or in small groups, on the leaves of the preferred host plant. After about a week the eggs hatch, and the larvae begin e…