Luna Moth

Luna Moth Facts

• Most notably, the beautiful and highly distinctive Luna Moth easily ranks as one of the largest moths in its native habitat range.
• It also holds a distinction, in certain circles, at least. It was the first insect of its kind to be described in scientific literature, in 1700.
• This magnificent Lepidoptera also holds yet another status in the local popular culture of a specific portion of its range.
• This occurs due to the fact that it appeared on a first-class postage stamp in the United States, issued in June 1987.
• Although several dozen butterflies have so far been so honored in this manner, as of 2018 this is the only moth to attain the recognition.

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Luna Moth Physical Description

Firstly, the amazing Luna Moth does display a slight degree of sexual dimorphism, with the male’s antennae being longer and wider.

Typically both genders attain an average wingspan of about 4.5 in (11.4 cm). Yet some, however, reach a wingspan of as much as 7 in (17.8 cm).

In addition, the wings of this invertebrate display a striking, and unique, bright lime-green color, to go along with the mainly whitge body.

Finally, this gorgeous moth also develops highly elongated hindwings. This serves to further distinguish its appearance and set it apart from others.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Euarthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Lepidoptera
• Family: Saturniidae
• Genus: Actias
• Species: A. luna

Luna Moth Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The visually unique and stunning Luna Moth presently inhabits a quite extensive, although still a highly specific portion of North America.

It inhabits a rather large portion of the eastern half of the United States. This extends from Florida to Maine and a small portion of extreme northeast Canada.

Within that range, however, it inhabits various types of habitats, providing a sufficient number of certain types of plants are present.

Although adults do not feed for the duration of the life cycle, the larvae feed voraciously, typically on the same tree their coccoon was place on.

Finally, it feeds primarily on several varieties of broadleaf trees and is itself preyed upon principally by bats and various species of birds.

Species Sharing Its Range

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