![]() Wagner, Princeton University Press, 2005. Caterpillars of Eastern North America by David L.Covell Jr., (Special Publication/Virginia Museum of Natural History). A Field Guide to Moths of Eastern North America by Charles V.You might just get lucky and catch a glimpse. When you are out at night (especially around well-lit areas), keep your eyes open and look out for this majestic wonder of nature. Accumulation of pesticides in the environment.Light pollution (potentially disrupts mating behavior). ![]() Trending issues that may contribute to the rarity of Luna moths include Luna moths are not an endangered species, but fewer sightings are apparent in some areas. Following the sounding of the alarm, the caterpillar will regurgitate a distasteful fluid as a warning. The caterpillar deters a predator by rearing up the front portion of its body and making a clicking noise with its mandibles. Luna moth caterpillars also have defense mechanisms against predators. ![]() LayLa Burgess, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension Luna moths commonly lose hindwing tails when attacked by a predator. During this time, males can fly long distances to mate with females if necessary. Luna moths live approximately one week after emerging from the cocoon. The proboscis on adult Luna moths has become functionless (vestigial). Since Luna moths do not feed as adults, they do not have a fully functional proboscis (the long slender mouthpart) like found on many other moths and butterflies. The food (energy) for the adult stage is stored during the caterpillar stage. As with many other silk moths, Luna moths do not feed as adults. The adult Luna moth usually emerges from a cocoon in the morning and then climbs to a secure structure where it can expand its wings to dry throughout the day. In appearance, the cocoon is thin and papery, comprised of silk and leaf pieces. The cocoon later falls to the ground among the leaf litter, where it is conveniently camouflaged and protected from the harsh conditions of winter. The cocoon, containing the pupa, is usually spun in a tree over a 2-3-week period. The Luna moth caterpillar molts five times over 3-4 weeks before settling on a plant to spin a cocoon. In northern regions, the caterpillars prefer white birch, whereas hickories, walnut, persimmon, and sweet gum are favorites in the south. This includes alder, birch, beech, red maple, white oak, wild cherry, hazelnut, hickories, pecan, walnut, persimmon, sweetgum, willows, and smooth sumac. The caterpillars are herbivores that feed on the foliage of many types of trees. Luna moth caterpillars are lime green with a series of yellow lines and reddish-orange spots running down both sides. Male Luna moth antennae fan out much like a feather. Female Luna moths have slender fuzzy antennae. Males tend to be a lighter shade of green and are slightly smaller than females. There are a few visible differences between male and female Luna moths. Louisiana has experienced recorded sightings of Luna moths during each month of the year. In the deep south, it is not unusual for Luna moths to have three generations in a single year (March-September). Farther south, through the Ohio River Valley, Luna moths produce two generations per year. Luna moths that live and breed in Canada and the northern bordering states produce one generation (brood) per year (May-July). ![]() Luna moths thrive in eastern North America, as far west as Texas, and a large portion of southeastern Canada. Luna moths are most likely to be found in forested areas, commonly deciduous woodlands, but can be attracted to well-lighted areas in the evening. Like most moths, Luna moths are predominately active at night (nocturnal), but sightings during daylight hours do occur. Luna moths are considered saturniid moths, referring to the use of wing patterns as a defense mechanism against predators. The name is derived from Luna, the Roman moon goddess. Also known as the American Moon Moth, Luna moths are common throughout South Carolina. The Luna Moth ( Actias luna), with its incredible size (3-4.5-inch wingspan), sea-foam green to yellow color, and long tails, is one of the most spectacular moths found in North America. Boone, South Carolina Forestry Commission: Image 1150003. Female Luna moth antennae are slender and fuzzy when compared to male antennae. The male Luna moth has feathery antennae. Luna moths are one of the silkworm moths.
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