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Luna Moth (Actias luna)


Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Luna Moth


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Image Credit: Joe V. from AR
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Image Credit: Alex -icycatelf- Bowen
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Image Credit: John, taken near Williston, FL
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Image Credit: Lisa F. from Park Hill, OK
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Image Credit: Tom P. from Liveoak, FL
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Image Credit: Paul M. from North Adams, MA
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Image Credit: Crystal P. from Quinton, AL
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Image Credit: Joe V. from AR
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Image Credit: Joe V. from AR
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Image Credit: Terri
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Image Credit: Carolyn F., taken near Plain, WI
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Image Credit: Laura A., taken at the summit of Mt. Monadnock, Marlboro, NH
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Sightings of the green and purple, long-tailed Luna Moth send many North Americans over the moon.



Updated: 08/15/2022; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
This large, pale green Giant Silkmoth can be found in hardwood forests. Luna Moths are unique to North America. Their bright green wings extend into long, thin tails. A purple or pink 'bumper' at the front edges of the wings is hard to miss. A downy coating covers the forewings and hindwings. Four distinctive eyespots adorn their wings and their antennae are very feathery. This particular species has become quite recognizable thanks to its adoption as a spokesmodel by a popular sleeping medication.

Luna Moths are greatly attracted to lights at night, so leaving a porch light on will increase the likelihood of spotting one. They are sensitive to the environment. Light pollution (constant light at night), pesticides, and parasitic flies all harm this delicate species. They are only found in North America and wild populations are threatened due to these sensitivities. Unfortunately, they are not listed as endangered by the IUCN or the EPA, so restrictions on light pollution and pesticide use in their habitats are unlikely. To conserve and educate the public, populations of Luna Moths are being bred in captivity and are often used in classrooms to teach about butterfly life cycles and their role in the environment.

As a member of the Silkmoth family, larvae (caterpillars) of the Luna moth spin a silky cocoon. The plump green body is covered with small red spots and fine light bristles. Larvae eat the leaves on birch, sweetgum, hickory, and walnut trees. ©InsectIdentification.org


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General Characteristics


Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Flying insect icon
Hairy insect icon


Taxonomic Hierarchy


Species Breakdown
Kingdom: Animalia
  Phylum: Arthropoda
    Class: Insecta
      Order: Lepidoptera
        Family: Saturniidae
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          Genus: Actias
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            Species: luna

Identifying Information


Size, Colors, Features
Scientific Name: Actias luna
Category: Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 75mm to 105mm (2.95" to 4.13")
Colorwheel Graphic Colors: green; yellow; white; pink; purple
Descriptors: hairy; downy; fuzzy; flying; endangered


Relative Size Comparison


Typical Size Between 75mm (3.0in) and 105mm (4.1in)
Lo: 75mm
Md: 90mm
Hi: 105mm

Territorial Map*


U.S., Canada, and Mexico
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Canadian territory of Alberta graphic
Canadian territory of British Columbia graphic
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Canadian territory of New Brunswick graphic
Canadian territory of Newfoundland and Labrador graphic
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Canadian territory of Quebec graphic
Canadian territory of Saskatchewan graphic
Territory map graphic of the country of Mexico
Contiguous United States shape map layer graphic
Alaska  
Hawaii  
Prince Edward Is.  
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Luna Moth may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Luna Moth. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
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