Let's learn about... Luna Moths!
(Picture taken by Board Member Katie at Civic Park)
The Luna Moth, also called the American Moon Moth, is one of the largest moths in North America. It's wingspan is usually around 4.5" - but these beautiful creatures can reach up to 7" - wow!
The Luna Moth is a member of the giant silk moth family - this group of moths contain some of the largest moth species in the world.
Like all moths (and butterflies!) the Luna Moth begins life as a tiny egg, laid on the underside of leaves. These hatch into larvae - also known as caterpillars. The Luna Moth larvae is large and green, like the one pictured below!
Safety Tip! There are a lot of misconceptions about luna moth caterpillars. Some people think they are poisonous because of their strange and colorful appearance. The truth is, that luna moth caterpillars are not dangerous. If you were to pick one up with your hands, you don’t need to worry about any toxic hairs rubbing against your skin like with other caterpillars.
From this stage, the larvae becomes a pupae - this is when the catapillar spins itself a small, silk cocoon to take a long nap in.
When it emerges from the pupae, it will be the iconic Luna Moth that is instantly recognizable!
Did you know? An adult Luna Moth, like the one pictured below, only lives about 7-10 days. When they hatch out of their pupae form, they do not have any mouth parts or a digestive system. They live only long enough in their adult life to mate and reproduce.
Fun Fact! The male Luna Moths are incredibly adept flyers, and have been known to traverse 2-3 miles in a single night in order to find a female to mate with.
To put that into perspective - for a human it would be the equivalent of traveling almost 400 miles a night to visit your spouse. WOAH!
Nature in your Neighborhood: Discover the magic that lies outside!
Comments