MAY: Actias luna EGGS

Luna Moths are part of the Moon Moth (Actias) genus, and Silkmoth (Saturniidae) family more broadly. They are a fairly large silk moth, with wingspans typically ranging from 12-15cm in my experience, but they can be larger - with female wingspans recorded up to nearly 18cm. There are typically 2-3 broods per year between May and September. Caterpillars feed on a range of deciduous trees, including: Birch, Sweetgum, Walnut, Willow, Ash, Sumac, Alder, among others. They are very easy to rear following the care guides. Autumn cocoons should be stored cold over winter until early spring. They will emerge about 3 weeks after ending hibernation, so it is a good idea to synchronise this with your local host plants. Pairings occur easily, with females usually releasing pheromones from their second night after hatching onwards.