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Luna Moths
Luna moths are somewhat rare because they are nocturnal and only live about one week,making them rarely seen. Actias luna (Linnaeus, 1758) Family: Saturniidae Subfamily: Saturniinae Identification: Hindwings have long curving tails. Wings are pale green, each with a transparent eyespot. Outer margins are pink in the southern spring brood, yellow in the southern summer brood and in northern populations. Wing Span: 2 15/16 - 4 1/8 inches (7.5 - 10.5 cm). Life History: Adults are very strong fliers and are attracted to lights. Mating takes place after midnight, and egg-laying begins that evening. Females lay eggs in small groups or singly on both surfaces of host plant leaves. The eggs hatch in about one week and the caterpillars are sedentary and solitary feeders. Leaves and silk are used to spin papery brown cocoons in litter under the host plant.