Text and photos by Diane Eismont, TMNCPC member. Article from July 1 TMNCPC Courier
Luna Moths, also called Moon Moths, are beautiful members of the Giant Silkworm family, and are among the largest moth species in North America. They typically have a wingspan of 4 to 5 inches.
I found this tattered one on the ground after a storm on May 27 about 5 p.m. and put it on a pecan branch. Its wingspan was 4.25 inches. Its long twisted tails were missing, but the feathery antennae remained intact.
Although not rare, Luna Moths are rarely seen because they are active at night and only have a life span of seven to 10 days.
The caterpillars feed on leaves of pecan, walnut, maple, oak, persimmon, willow, and others. Adults do not eat. The adult’s wings are light green with pink, purple or yellow forewing margins.