Luna Moth
ExploreInsects
Luna Moth
Actias luna
The Luna Moth is a large, pale green moth with long, flowing wings. It is a magical sight at night!
Habitat: Forests and woodlands
Appearance
The Luna Moth has striking lime-green wings with a white furry body and long, flowing tails on its hindwings. Each wing features a distinct, transparent 'eye spot' (ocellus), and its antennae are feathery and often pale green.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilySaturniidaeGenusActias
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
119
Interesting facts
A male Luna Moth can smell a female from several miles away using his giant feathery antennae!
Adult Luna Moths don't have mouths or stomachs, so they never eat anything!
If a predator grabs its tail, the moth can sometimes break it off and fly away!
Instead of flying south, Luna Moths spend winter as a pupa inside a leaf-wrapped cocoon!
Special abilities
Ability
Master of Camouflage
Luna Moths have bright green wings that help them blend perfectly with leafy surroundings, hiding from predators during the day.
Ability
Decoy Tails
Luna Moths have long twisting tails on their hindwings that can confuse predators like bats, making them attack the wrong spot.
Ability
Bat Ear Detector
Luna Moths can detect the high-pitched sounds made by hunting bats, allowing them to perform evasive maneuvers and escape.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 80-115 mm
- Size
- 35-45 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-10 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults don't eat at all! Caterpillars munch on tree leaves to grow big and strong.
Age differences: Adults do not eat, relying on energy stored from their caterpillar stage; caterpillars are voracious leaf-eaters.
Primary Foods
- Sweetgum leaves
- Walnut leaves
- Hickory leaves
- Birch leaves
- Sumac leaves
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
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Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Luna Moth?
The easiest way to identify Luna Moth is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
What is Luna Moth's wingspan?
80-115 mm
How big is Luna Moth?
35-45 mm
How long does Luna Moth live?
7-10 days
What does Luna Moth eat?
Adults don't eat at all! Caterpillars munch on tree leaves to grow big and strong.
Where is Luna Moth usually found?
Forests and woodlands
How does Luna Moth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Luna Moth have?
6
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
Jun 11, 2026
Wilderi
Photo attribution
(c) Nick Kleinschmidt, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 9, 2026
Bainbridge Commercial Historic Districti
Photo attribution
(c) Megan Herrmann, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 4, 2026
Arboretum Villanovai
Photo attribution
(c) Connor McInerney, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 4, 2026
Cheshami
Photo attribution
(c) Jack Forrester, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 4, 2026
Cheshami
Photo attribution
(c) Jack Forrester, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Where to spot
Park42 sightings50 species
Virginia, US
Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal
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Park18 sightings50 species
Ontario, CA
Algonquin Provincial Park
You might spot Canada Jay, American Beaver, and Black-Capped Chickadee.
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Park32 sightings50 species
Tennessee, US
Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts
You might spot Black Bear, Yellow Wakerobin, and Pipevine Swallowtail.
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Park45 sightings50 species
Alabama, US
Audubon Place Historic District
You might spot Anole, Eastern Gray Squirrel, and Asian Lady Beetle.
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Park40 sightings50 species
Georgia, US
Bainbridge Commercial Historic District
You might spot Gulf Fritillary, Anole, and American Beautyberry.
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Park35 sightings50 species
Delaware, US
Blackbird State Forest
You might spot Northern Cricket Frog, Fan Clubmoss, and Fowler's Toad.
View guide →
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