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Characteristics Of The Luna Moth (Actias Luna)

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Luna Moth (Actias luna) Characteristics The luna moth is easy to spot compared to the other small brown moth species, the luna moth has pale green wings, furry white bodies, pinkish legs and a wingspan around 95mm long. The green wings on the moth makes them to well hidden on leaves of birch trees. Each of the four wings has an eyespot and the antennae of males are feathery. The larvae are bright green with a brownish head, yellow line on each segment and along the body with red tubercles on each side. Habitat Luna moths can be found in the deciduous forests and woodlands where there are plenty of walnut, hickory, persimmon and sweetgum to feed on. In some areas, populations have declined due to habitat destruction and use of bright lights during the night, the lights disturb the luna moths mating cycle. Reproduction The luna moths eggs incubate for 8–13 days before hatching. Female luna moths produce 100 – 300 eggs, and lay them 4-7 at a time on the undersides of leaves over several nights. The caterpillars feed and grow larger, then pupate in a thin, silken cocoon spun among leafs on the ground. They come out as winged adults and immediately reproduce because of their short lifespan. Female luna moths call the males by giving off pheromones, which the males can pick up. Nich Luna moth larvae feed of walnuts, hickory, persimmon and sweetgum trees. Adults don’t have a mouth so they cannot eat, adults only live about week. Their sole purpose is the mate and
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