![]() As 2022 National Moth Week draws to a close with the end of July, there is no better time to get to know the luna moth and the hundreds of other fascinating moth species that may be fluttering through your neighborhood. Postal Service featured luna moths on a US postage stamp, becoming the first, and so far only, moth on which this honor has been bestowed. Luna moths act as charismatic ambassadors for North America’s moths in 1987 the U.S. Luna moths are celebrated in art, poetry, and the stories moth-lovers share of their sightings. Despite their lack of pollination services, luna moths have captured the hearts of many simply with their distinct and stunning looks. As adults, they are not tempted by tasty leaves and flowers but are singularly focused on finding a mate. ![]() In fact, adult luna moths lack a mouth, meaning they must consume all the nutrients for their lifetime while they are caterpillars, feeding on alder, beech, birch, red maple, and sumac leaves. While many moths pollinate both night and day blooms, luna moths are not known to be pollinators. These adaptations help protect the moths during their brief adult life stage – typically one week. When in flight, these long wing tails whirl behind them creating an acoustic diversion that confuses echolocating bats on the hunt. Additionally, researchers have found that the long tails of the luna moth’s hindwings help protect against bat attacks. The dark spots on the wings, for example, are made up of teeny-tiny pigmented scales that mimic eyes, helping to discourage sneak attacks from predators. Not simply majestic for majesty’s sake, the luna moth’s many stunning physical characteristics are believed to be adaptations against predation. While not the largest moth in North America (that distinction is held by the cecropia moth) they still manage to dwarf most of their fellow Acadian moths. With foam green wings spanning up to five inches, luna moths are one of the night’s most striking flyers. The luna moth ( Actias luna) is a moth you don’t easily forget meeting. By Jess Moskowitz | photos by Elizabeth Halasz
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