Please direct all inquiries and comments to insectidentification AT. When emailing please include your location and the general estimated size of the specimen in question if possible. Images in JPG format are preferred with a minimum horizontal dimension of 1000px if possible. By submitting images to us () you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Site Disclaimer as it pertains to "User-Submitted Content". Find high-quality stock photos that you wont find anywhere else. Material presented throughout this website is for entertainment value and should not to be construed as usable for scientific research or medical advice (regarding bites, etc.).Please consult licensed, degreed professionals for such information. Search from 325 Luna Moth stock photos, pictures and royalty-free images from iStock. This resource uses publically-released information. Luna moths are primarily a nocturnal species Luna was the ancient Roman moon goddess and the reason these remarkable insects are also known as the American. The logo, its written content, and watermarked photographs/imagery are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and is protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. Larvae eat the leaves on birch, sweetgum, hickory, and walnut trees.īeetle Identification Butterfly Identification Caterpillar Identification Spider ID Fungal Infections on Insects Nursery Web Spider Official State Insects Termite Basics Insect Molting Process Bugs of Tennessee The plump green body is covered with small red spots and fine light bristles. The Luna Moth (Actias luna) is a large nocturnal moth that may be seen in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York and in the Paul Smiths VIC Butterfly. To conserve and educate the public, populations of Luna Moths are being bred in captivity and are often used in classrooms to teach about butterfly life cycles and their role in the environment.Īs a member of the Silkmoth family, larvae (caterpillars) of the Luna moth spin a silky cocoon. Unfortunately, they are not listed as endangered by the IUCN or the EPA, so restrictions on light pollution and pesticide use in their habitats are unlikely. They are only found in North America and wild populations are threatened due to these sensitivities. Light pollution (constant light at night), pesticides, and parasitic flies all harm this delicate species. This moth's wingspan can stretch four and a half. Suddenly the insect spreads its wings to reveal their great size. Luna Moths are greatly attracted to lights at night, so leaving a porch light on will increase the likelihood of spotting one. A luna moth perches on a leaf, its bright green wings folded over its body.
![lunar moth lunar moth](https://live.staticflickr.com/3468/3736218753_dc6426658c_o.jpg)
This particular species has become quite recognizable thanks to its adoption as a spokesmodel by a popular sleeping medication. Four distinctive eyespots adorn their wings and their antennae are very feathery.
![lunar moth lunar moth](https://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1163/1143/400/Lunar_Moth.jpg)
A downy coating covers the forewings and hindwings. A purple or pink 'bumper' at the front edges of the wings is hard to miss. Their bright green wings extend into long, thin tails. This large, pale green Giant Silkmoth can be found in hardwood forests.