luna moth

luna moth, (Actias luna), species of large, showy saturniid moth of eastern North America. Luna moths are pale green and have a wingspread of 10 cm (4 inches). The wings have a thin brown border, and each hind wing has an eyespot and a long tail-like projection. The larvae are green caterpillars and feed on the leaves of many kinds of trees and shrubs.

Adult luna moths lack mouthparts and thus live only a few days after emerging from their silken cocoons. Males follow pheromone scents using their feathery antennae to find a mate. The nocturnal insects are sensitive to light pollution, often losing precious time and energy in a confused pursuit of artificial lighting. Populations of luna moths are in decline throughout their range and, in addition to light pollution, are threatened by pesticides and habitat loss. They are also susceptible to a non-native parasitic tachinid fly, Compsilura concinnata, which was introduced from Europe in the early 1900s to control spongy moths (Lymantria dispar).