Actias
Actias
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Bombycoidea
- Family: Saturniidae
- Subfamily: Saturniinae
- Tribe: Saturniini
- Genus: Actias
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Actias: //ˈæk.ti.əs//
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Images
Summary
Actias is a genus of Saturniid moths known as moon moths, characterized by long-tailed hindwings with a majority of species found in Asia, and one prominent North American species, Actias luna.
Physical Characteristics
Long tails on hindwings are distinctive traits of the genus.
Identification Tips
Look for the long tails on the hindwings to identify moon moths in the Actias genus.
Habitat
Typically found in forested areas where their host trees like sweetgum and pine grow.
Distribution
About 25 species worldwide, with most species concentrated in Asia; one species, Actias luna, is found in North America.
Diet
The larvae primarily feed on the leaves of sweetgum, pine, and similar trees.
Life Cycle
The adult lifespan after emergence from the cocoon ranges from a few days to a week as they lack functional mouthparts.
Ecosystem Role
Considered part of the ecosystem as herbivores during their larval stage and as prey for other organisms when adult.
Similar Taxa
- Copiopteryx
- Argema
- Eudaemonia
Tags
- Lepidoptera
- Moths
- Saturniidae
- Actias