Species Insects & ArthropodsLuna Moth

Luna Moth

Actias luna

UncommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Luna Moth (Actias luna)

The Luna Moth is one of North America's most stunning insects — pale green with long trailing hindwing tails and eyespots. Short-lived as an adult (about a week), it exists only to find a mate.

Habitat
Deciduous forests throughout eastern North America
Diet
Larvae: walnut, hickory, sweet gum, and other trees. Adults: do not feed
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Luna Moth

The best time to see a Luna Moth is April–July, when about 66% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 56,835 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Not certain it is a Luna Moth? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Luna Moth sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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