Luna Moth

Actias luna is a saturniid moth of the eastern North American hardwood forest. Adults emerge in spring, last about 7 days, and have no functional mouthparts (like the atlas moth). The most striking feature beyond the pale luminous green wings is the pair of long ribbon-like hindwing tails. Researchers at Boise State and Johns Hopkins demonstrated in 2015 that these tails are not ornamental — they actively spin during flight, generating an acoustic signature that confuses the echolocation of pursuing bats. Bats targeting luna moths often strike the tail instead of the body, allowing the moth to escape with minor wing damage. Caterpillars feed on hickory, walnut, sweetgum, and birch leaves over 3-4 weeks. The cocoon is spun in leaf litter on the forest floor; pupae overwinter and the adult emerges the following spring.