Actias luna, commonly known as the Luna moth or American Moon moth, is a large, striking moth in the family Saturniidae. Native to North America, it is one of the most recognizable and iconic moths due to its ethereal beauty and distinctive features. Its range extends from Canada down to parts of Mexico, thriving in deciduous forests.
The luna moth has a wingspan of up to 15cm, making it one of the largest moths in North America. Its most notable features are its pale green wings, long tapering hindwing tails, and eye-like markings on each wing. These eyespots help deter predators by mimicking the eyes of larger animals.
The caterpillars are bright green and feed on a variety of host plants, including walnut, hickory, birch, and sweetgum. After pupating inside a silk cocoon, the adult moth emerges, but it does not feed, as it lacks functional mouthparts. Its sole purpose in this stage is reproduction, with adults living only about 7–10 days.
While Actias luna populations remain stable, habitat loss, light pollution, and pesticide use can pose threats. Its elegance and short adult lifespan make it a beloved symbol of the natural world's beauty.
Food plants: Birch, Alder, Sweetgum, Walnut, Willow, multiple others
Difficulty: Very easy (1/10)
Conditions: Room temperature or outdoors.
Lifecycle: Two or three broods annually; final brood overwinters within cocoons.
