Stunning lime-green silk moths with wingspans up to 4.5 inches and long flowing tails that confuse echolocating bats.

Also called: Moon Moth, American Moon Moth

Native status: Native; widespread in eastern North America

§ Quick facts

SizeWingspan 8–11.5 cm (3.1–4.5 in)
Weight~0.5 g
LifespanAdults 7–10 days
OrderLepidoptera
FamilySaturniidae

§ Encyclopedia

The luna moth, also called the American moon moth, is a Nearctic moth in the family Saturniidae, subfamily Saturniinae, a group commonly named the giant silk moths.

Source: Wikipedia — Luna moth Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Pale lime-green wings with long curving tail extensions on hindwings.

Similar species. Polyphemus Moth (tan). Cecropia Moth. Imperial Moth.

Voice. Silent flight; caterpillars click mandibles.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Adults: do not eat. Caterpillars: many tree species.

Behavior. Nocturnal. Males locate females via pheromones from miles away.

§ Range

Eastern North America from Canada to northern Mexico

§ Habitat

Deciduous forests with host trees (hickory, walnut, sweetgum, birch)

§ Threats

Light pollution, invasive parasitoid flies introduced for gypsy moth control, habitat fragmentation.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the luna moth is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Turn off porch lights at night. Plant native host trees. Avoid pesticides on host plants.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Butterflies and Moths of North America
  • Xerces Society
  • iNaturalist
  • BugGuide