Luna moth larvae are a major problem in forests where the trees are not otherwise managed. The feeding pattern is very regular, beginning at the edges of the tree trunks and moving towards the centre. The larva has a special long tongue that cuts into the bark when it eats through the bark below it. The larva is a pest in forest habitats because it will defoliate trees by cutting their leaves away from the trunk. In northern regions, the caterpillar loves to feed on white birch. These caterpillars feed on various species of tree leaves, including hickory, walnut, American sweet gum, and paper birch trees. The luna moth is common in many areas of North America, and its larvae cause damage to forests. ![]() ![]() If you were to see a luna moth flying in a temperate forest during the daytime, it would likely be too dark for you to observe its colours, but there is one colour that stands out from the rest: green! This colouration of the moth has earned it common names like moon moth or golden tiger because some people find it difficult not to stare at this bright, beautiful creature fluttering all around them while they walk through a forest outdoors. The adults are nocturnal and are active during the warmer months (late May or early June). The luna moth (actias luna) is one of the largest moths of North America from the family Saturniidae, subfamily Saturniinae, which is a group commonly known as giant silk moths.Īlso known as the American moon moth and lunar moth, luna moths are thought to be named after the roman moon goddess, Luna, due to their hindwing spots which look like the moon when it’s nearly full, due to their translucent discs with a dark crescent edge.Īdult luna moths are found in temperate regions of North America, and its range extends into Central America.
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