By Linda Patlan
Geographic Range
The luna moth occurs widespread in the forested areas of North America (Carter, 1992). In Canada the species has been found from Nova Scotia through central Quebec and Ontario. In the United States the species has been found in every state east of the Great Plains all the way south to northern Mexico (Tuskes et al.,1996). (Carter, 1992; Tuskes, Tuttle, and Collins, 1996)
Habitat
The luna moth occurs in the forested areas of North America. They seem to prefer decidous woodlands, with trees such as the hickory, walnut, sumacs, and persimmon. (Tuskes, Tuttle, and Collins, 1996)
These animals are found in the following types of habitat:
temperate 
; terrestrial .
Terrestrial Biomes:
forest .
Other:
suburban .
Physical Description
(3.15 to 4.53 in)
The luna moth is an easily distinguishable species with long sweeping hindwing tails and varying in color from yellowish green to pale bluish green (Carter, 1992). Both sexes are similar in size, but males have a more strongly feathered antennae (Tuskes et al., 1996; Carter, 1992). The wingspan ranges from 80mm -115mm (Carter, 1992). This species also exhibits both polyphenism and regional phenotypic variation(Tuskes et al., 1996). In its early stages the luna moth is a green caterpillar that has hair, spiny tubercles, and a yellow stripe on each side (Holland, 1908; Grzimek,1972). (Carter, 1992; Grzimek, 1972; Holland, 1908; Tuskes, Tuttle, and Collins, 1996)
Some key physical features:
ectothermic ; heterothermic ; bilateral symmetry .
Sexual dimorphism: sexes shaped differently.
Reproduction
The luna moth exhibits a pheromone mating system. This ability to attract distant males via chemical communication is found in all female saturniids. Undeterred by obstacles such as leaves and branches, the male moths will persistently follow the scent trail of a female. Then the female will typically mate with the first male to reach her. Since the luna moth is a nocturnal species, mating usually occurs in the first hours after midnight. If the pair is undisturbed then they will remain in copula until the next evening, but the slightest disturbance can cause separation. After the separation of the pair, then ovipostion will begin and continue for several nights. A female luna moth will seek a host plant in which to oviposit. Some populations of luna moths complete more than one generation in a year. (Tuskes et al., 1996). (Tuskes, Tuttle, and Collins, 1996)
Key reproductive features:
semelparous ; seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization (internal ); oviparous .
Behavior
The luna moth is a nocturnal species (Tuskes et al., 1996), and is not often seen in the daytime (Holland, 1908). As do many saturniids, the Luna moth uses wing patterns as a defense against predators. The Luna moth can mimic living and dead leaves on the ground by remaining motionless when not involved in reproductive behavior. The moths will also dramatically flutter their wings when attacked (Tuskes et al., 1996). (Holland, 1908; Tuskes, Tuttle, and Collins, 1996)
Food Habits
The luna moth is an insect herbivore. As a caterpillar it feeds on the foliage of various species of hickory, walnut, sweet-gum, persimmon, and birch trees (Holland, 1908). It has been reported that it is particularly fond of the persimmon (Holland, 1908). (Holland, 1908)
Plant Foods:
leaves.
Economic Importance for Humans: Negative
There are no known negative effects contributed by Luna moths.
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive
Luna moths have often been used in classrooms to help teach insect life cycles. They have also proven good subjects in ecology and evolutionary biology (Tuskes et al., 1996). (Tuskes, Tuttle, and Collins, 1996)
Ways that people benefit from these animals:
research and education.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: [link]:
Not Evaluated.
US Federal List: [link]:
No special status.
CITES: [link]:
No special status.
State of Michigan List: [link]:
No special status.
The luna moth is a wild silk moth. Wild silk moths have declined in numbers since the 1960's due to habitat destruction and increased use of bright vapor lights that disrupt mating (Tuskes et al., 1996). However, luna moths are not listed as threatened by the IUCN, the U.S. government, or the state of Michigan.
Other Comments
The first North American saturniid reported in literature was the luna moth. (Tuskes, Tuttle, and Collins, 1996)
Contributors
Linda Patlan (author), Southwestern University.
Stephanie Fabritius (editor), Southwestern University.
