One of the most recognizable moths in North America. It boasts large, lime-green wings and a white body. The hindwings have long curving tails, each with a transparent eyespot. The wings are lined with pink margins.
The caterpillars eat a variety of trees including white birch (Betula papyrifera), persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua), hickories (Carya), walnuts (Juglans), pecans, and sumacs (Rhus).
Adults are very strong fliers and are attracted to lights. Mating takes place after midnight, and egg-laying begins that evening. Females lay eggs in small groups or singly on both surfaces of host plant leaves. The eggs hatch in about one week and the caterpillars are sedentary and solitary feeders. Leaves and silk are used to spin papery brown cocoons in litter under the host plant. As defense mechanisms, larvae emit clicks as a warning and can also regurgitate intestinal contents. Adult Luna moths only live for a week and do not feed during that time, they focus solely on reproduction.
Food source for birds and other animals.
Least Concern
