Eastern Moon Moth | Actias dulcinea COCOONS

Actias dulcinea, commonly referred to as the Eastern or Sweetheart Moon Moth, is a large and visually stunning moth in the family Saturniidae. Native to parts of Russia and East Asia, this species is admired for its ethereal beauty and elegant tail-like extensions on its hindwings, which give it a graceful appearance.

The Eastern Moon Moth is characterized by its delicate green-blue coloration and impressive size, with a wingspan of 10–15 cm. Its wings are pale green with a silky, translucent quality. The forewings are marked with faint yellowish veins, and each wing bears a small, eye-like spot for predator deterrence. The hindwings end with shortish tapering tails that serve as a defense mechanism, confusing predators by deflecting attacks away from the body.

The adult moths live only a few days to a week, during which they mate and lay eggs before dying. The conservation status of Actias dulcinea is not well-documented, but habitat loss due to deforestation poses a potential threat to its populations.

Host plants: Birch, Alder, Willow, Oak, Walnut, Cherry, Ash. Multiple others reported.

Difficulty: Easy (1/10)

Temperature: Room temp.

Lifecycle: two or three broods annually; cocoons hibernate.