Animal Profiles
Insects

Moth

Lepidoptera

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Moths have highly varied life histories. This account follows the luna moth (Actias luna), a pale-green North American species whose caterpillars feed on tree leaves.

Actias luna, the representative described in this account.

Actias luna, the representative described in this account.

David notMD · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Luna moths inhabit deciduous woodland in eastern North America.
Habitat
Temperate forest
Diet
Herbivore
Food
Caterpillars consume foliage before forming a pupa.

Classification

Common name
Moth
Browse group
Insects
Scientific name or taxon
Lepidoptera
Taxon rank
order
Order
Lepidoptera
Source classification
Insecta

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Caterpillars eat tree leaves.
  • The hind wings have long tails.
  • Adults are mainly nocturnal.

Habitat and range

Luna moths inhabit deciduous woodland in eastern North America. Trees such as hickory, walnut, sweetgum and birch provide food for developing caterpillars.

Appearance and adaptations

Broad green wings carry eyespots and long tails on the hind pair. Males have more strongly feathered antennae than females, helping them detect chemical signals.

Diet and behaviour

Caterpillars consume foliage before forming a pupa. Adults are mainly active at night and focus on reproduction. The herbivore filter describes the feeding juvenile stage.

Sources

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