Hodges#7758

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Actias luna: //ˈæktiəs ˈluːnə//

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Summary

The Luna moth (Actias luna) is a large, pale green moth in the family Saturniidae, known for its striking wings and brief adult life. The larvae are green and feed on various deciduous trees. Adaptations such as its long hindwing tails and defensive behaviors help it evade predators.

Physical Characteristics

Wingspan: 7.5 - 10.5 cm. The wings are pale green with transparent eyespots, pink or brown on the outer margin in southern spring brood and yellow in northern or other southern broods. Larva is lime-green with pink spots and a weak subspiracular stripe on the abdomen. The final larval instar can grow to approximately 70–90 mm in length.

Identification Tips

Adults have long curving tails on the hindwings, pale green wings with eyespots, and a white hairy body. Females typically have a larger abdomen containing 200-400 eggs and possess broader antennae compared to males, whose antennae are longer and wider.

Habitat

Deciduous hardwood forests

Distribution

Found in North America, from east of the Great Plains in the United States – Florida to Maine, and from Saskatchewan eastward through central Quebec to Nova Scotia in Canada. Rarely found in Western Europe as vagrants.

Diet

Larvae feed on a variety of trees including white birch (Betula papyrifera), persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua), hickories (Carya), walnuts (Juglans), pecans, and sumacs (Rhus). Adult Luna moths do not feed.

Life Cycle

1 generation per year in northern regions (Canada and northern US), with wings appearing late May or early June; 2-3 generations per year in southern regions. Eggs hatch in about a week; larvae go through 5 instars, taking 4-10 days for each instar. Pupation lasts approximately 2-3 weeks unless in diapause (over winter), extending to about 9 months.

Reproduction

Females lay 200-400 eggs, singly or in small groups on the undersides of leaves. Egg laying starts the evening after mating and continues for several days. Adults do not eat and rely on fat stores created while feeding as larvae. Mating involves females releasing pheromones that attract males from miles away.

Predators

Predatory bats; Luna moth larvae emit clicking noises as a warning and can regurgitate intestinal contents to deter predators. The elongated tails of hindwings may confuse bats using echolocation.

Ecosystem Role

Serves as prey for various predators including bats. Larvae are beneficial for maintaining biodiversity in their habitats as they feed on various tree species.

Cultural Significance

The Luna moth was featured on a first class United States postage stamp issued in June 1987, making it notable in American popular culture.

Evolution

The species name 'luna' derives from the Roman moon goddess, reflecting its ethereal appearance. It was originally classified in 1700 and renamed by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. Adaptations include a diet that can neutralize toxic compounds in host plants and morphology suited to confuse predators.

Misconceptions

Despite having spines, Luna moth larvae are not poisonous; the spines can cause irritation but have no chemical component.

Tags

• Luna moth
• saturniid
• North America
• giant silk moth
• Actias luna