Lunar Moth
Fascinating Facts about the Lunar Moth
One of most fascinating Lepidoptera species in North America is the lunar moth or luna moth as many know it. Those lucky enough to have seen one of these elusive creatures can testify to its unusual beauty during its nighttime activities.
One of the largest of the moth families, the lunar moth has a wingspan of around 4 ½ inches. Including the long tail, its length can measure up to 6 inches. A distinguishing feature of this moth is its pale lime green colored wings; featuring distinct eyespots that are visible on the hind wings as menacing natural defense mechanisms against their predators. Antennae protrude from the head; on the males of the species, the antennae are long and quite bushy while the females sport shorter and less dense hairs.
The adult lunar moth lives for only about one week. It needs no nectar plant, since the adults do not have mouths with which to feed. The adult moth’s purpose is merely to find a mate and lay eggs. The preferred host plants on which the eggs are laid are the bottoms of leaves from black walnut or hickory trees, where close to 200 eggs will be deposited; separated into small groups.
Ten days after the female lunar moth lays her eggs, caterpillars will begin to hatch. Their first order of business after hatching is to begin eating the black walnut leaves. The caterpillars will eat until they outgrow their skin, which they will molt. This sequence will be repeated five more times before the caterpillar is full grown. At this point, the caterpillar will spin a silky substance that it uses to encase itself in a cocoon, where it will stay for a minimum of two to three weeks, but may be longer if the onset of winter is close.
When the time arrives for the adult lunar moth to leave the safety of the cocoon, it will push itself against the wall of the cocoon, causing it to split. Using a juice that the moth produces, it softens the cocoon so that it is able to push its way out. This entire process generally takes place during the morning hours. Not yet ready to fly, the adult moth will climb to the tree trunk, where it stops to gain strength and allow its wings to dry out. When nighttime falls, the adult lunar moth is ready to take flight to find a mate.
The lunar moth is one that can only be seen during nighttime hours, which makes it seem to be such an elusive sight. Its luminescent green color, large size and after dark behavior are the unique features that make the lunar moth such a fascinating creature.