Luna Moth

Actias luna

The luna moth, Actias luna, is a large pale green silk moth native to much of eastern North America. Its long hindwing tails, translucent eyespots, and feathery antennae make it one of the most recognizable nocturnal moths on porch lights and woodland edges. Adults do not feed; they emerge from cocoons with reduced mouthparts, mate, lay eggs, and usually live only about a week. The green caterpillars feed on host trees that can include hickory, walnut, sweetgum, birch, persimmon, and sumac, with one brood in cooler areas and several in the South.

People raise luna moths for education, photography, and Lepidoptera study rather than long-term pets. Caterpillars need fresh pesticide-free leaves from a suitable host, clean ventilated containers, and enough space to molt without disturbance. Pupae form papery cocoons among leaves, and in seasonal climates they may overwinter in diapause before emerging. Releasing captive stock should be handled carefully, especially when the parentage is not local, because mixing distant populations or exposing wild moths to pathogens can harm conservation work.