Luna Moth
(06/05/2007) Luna Moth in WI
Hi there!
A friend of mine took this picture of a Luna Moth in Mount
Horeb, WI (Dane County). I was very excited when she
showed my the shot as I thought WI was out of their range.
After a bit of research, I found that there have been a few
sightings in the southern part of the state, including Dane
County. However, I thought it was rare enough that you
might be interested....plus, it was out during the day.
I'm hopeful now that I might see one myself someday!
Cindy Zuleger
PS I've become addicted to your site...ever since
I used it last Summer to ID Box Elder nymphs.
Hi Cindy,
We are thrilled to hear you are such a fan. Thank you for
adding to our wonderful Luna Moth archive.
Luna Moth
(05/31/2007) Moth
After researching to find out what name this moth is from
your website, I wanted to say, this Luna Moth was on my screen
door here in Sault Ste Marie, ON. I was curious to know how
far north do these Luna Moths go? I see your recipients are
from the USA, and wonder if this one has traveled too far?
Have a good day,
Helga MacKenzie
Sault Ste Marie, Ontario Canada
Hi Helga,
Thanks for sending us your Luna Moth image. Luna Moths are
quite common in Maine and they also range into Southern Canada.
Luna
Moth
(05/23/2007) What is it? It's gorgeous!!!
Hi,
Last year I sent a pic of a Giant Inchneunom that you really
liked and added to you website. Here's anew one of a bug we
don't ecognize. Please advise Thanks,
ian
Hi Ian,
This is a Luna Moth. It is a striking insect that cannot be
easily confused with any other North American species. If
you had scrolled to the bottom of our homepage, you would
have gotten your answer.
Mating
Luna Moths
(05/09/2007) Luna Moths Mating
Hello! I was just scrolling the Luna Moth page on your website
and saw that you have a couple of pictures of Luna Moths mating.
Today we have a pair on our fence and they have been there
all day. We saw one on the fence last night by himself and
today he was joined by his mate. I have been outside several
times to take pictures and thought you might enjoy a few to
post on your website if you'd like. I was saddened to read
that the Lunas only live a few days. No wonder these two are
spending so much time together! Enjoy!
Shelly W.
Near Winston-Salem, NC
Since I sent these, we have also located the chrysalis/cocoon
of what we assume to be the female who was originally on the
fence the day beflor, as the females apparently do not fly
until after mating.
Hi Shelly,
Thank you for taking the time to resend your gorgeous image
of mating Luna Moths.
Luna
Moth
(05/05/2007)
Hi bugman!
I found this one hanging on my screen door around midnight
tonight. I'm in SE Ohio, and all i normally see are the plain
ones, so I was pretty curious! Stumbled onto your website,
so I thought i'd ask
Karrie
Hi Karrie,
If you had scrolled down our homepage a bit, you would have
found that the Luna Moth was our featured Bug of the Month
for April 2007.
Luna Moth
(04/21/2007) swallowtail moth?
Bugman,
This moth appeared on our rear deck the evening April 20th
2007. I t was still there the next morning and I took this
picture. Can you identify it for me?
Thanks,
Bill Casteen
Hi Bill,
If you had visited our site's homepage, you would have found
your Luna Moth prominently featured as the Bug of the Month
for April. We have chosen to post your letter since you refer
to this as a Swallowtail Moth and that might help some web
browser in the future identify their Luna Moth.
Luna Moth
(04/01/2007) We love your site
Thanks for helping us identify this beautiful visitor. The
whole neighborhood has been by to visit to admire the beauty.
Emily Bangle
Nacogdoches, Texas
Hi Emily,
We got so many Luna Moth sightings in March, we decided to
make it the Bug of the Month for April. We are happy the sightings
are continuing.
Luna
Moth Cocoon
(04/01/2007) big pupa
Hi there?
Got any ideas about the identity of this pupa? I found it
on the ground outside of my house in mid coast Maine on March
31st. It's alive, that is, when I move it, it scratches around
inside and actually will roll across the table top like a
Mexican Jumping Bean. The husk is papery and there are tiny
pin holes all through it, like breathing holes. It feels quite
heavy and as you can see, is almost 2 inches long. That's
a big pupa for Maine where most stuff is pretty small in the
insect world. I've been a gardener for 25 years and have never
seen anything like it. I didn't find anything in my garden
insect references. Thanks in advance for your time,
Robin Robinson
Hi Robin,
If you don't want this Luna Moth Cocoon to hatch too early,
you need to keep it outside. If you have an old birdcage,
that would be perfect. You should check daily to see if it
has hatched. In Maine, we get most of our Luna Moth photos
in May. Right now, we are getting photos from the Southern
portion of the range, including Louisiana and Georgia. The
Luna Moth is our featured Bug of the Month for April.
Luna Moth
(03/30/2007) Luna Moth in Waco, Tx.
We found this Luna Moth in the brezeway of our apartments.
We see all different kinds of them this time of the year.
My grandkids take them to school for Show & Tell then
we set them frre around the same place that we found them.
Barbara, in Waco,Tx
Hi Barbara,
Thanks for sending us your photo. We are also pleased to hear
that show and tell is still alive and well and that insects
still play a prominent roll in that compelling education method.
Luna
Moth
(03/27/2007) Luna Moth
Hello,
Thought that I would add another addition to your Luna Moth
page. My husband and I were so excited to see this one at
our vacation home at Toledo Bend, south of Many, Louisiana.
I startled him a little with my flash, but it was in the evening
of March 24th and I had to turn the flash on to see him properly.
Such a shame that their life span is so short but I feel blessed
that I was able to see one. Thank you for your informative
site!
Shelley
Hi Shelley,
Judging by the volume of Luna Moth images and letter we have
received in March, we should have made the Luna Moth the Bug
of the Month. Thanks for your contribution.
Another Luna Moth
(03/19/2007) Yet another Luna Moth from Northern Louisiana
...This one was late in its cycle and kind of tired...I snagged
him and let him live out his final day/night in the MAC bay
.......free from Eastern Red Bats and American Robins,,, ,,,,,not
to mention the Hermit Thrush and Eastern Bluebird.....but
oddly, though they obliterate everything else...I've yet to
see them take a pass at these guys,,,,the Luna Moth onslaught
is here both day and night... the one I photographed before
had definitely taken a hit from a bird... ..obvious bite on
the right wing...this one...luckier....just had to listen
to some of my music collection.
Lawrence
Hi again Lawrence,
Thanks for the new image.
Luna Moth
(03/18/2007) Cocoon Hatched Today! It was a Luna Moth!
My 9 year old granddaughter found a cocoon out in the yard
last week and we brought it inside. I placed it on my kitchen
counter and forgot all about it. It has now been two weeks
and guess what I found on my kitchen blinds whenI arrived
home today? You guess it, this male beauty! He is a very large
as you can tell from the photo of it on my hand. When I went
to search what the Luna Moth eats I came across your website.
I did not want to put it outside in our 30 degree nights as
was afraid it would freeze and did not want it to die. I was
very disappointed to read they don't have a mouth as they
don't eat and only live for a few days after they hatch...
such a shame. I was even more unset that the walnut tree I
had cut down is one of the places where these moths lay their
eggs! Please feel free to use any of the photos if you want
to add anymore to your wonderful website. Thank you for all
the information you have posted for us to learn about these
beautiful moths. MS. DARNELL MOONDA FUGATE
Macon, Georgia
 
Dear Ms. Fugate,
Thank you for sending us your wonderful story and beautiful
photos.
Actias rhodopneuma from Thailand
(03/17/2007) Please tell me about this moth
Hi,
I'm writing from Thailand in the parth South East Asia. I
pictured this beautiful moth in Nothern Thailand - mountainous
and high terrain (1500 metres) with evergreen forest. After
a few seach on the Internet this moth looks like luna moth.
But I'm not so sure. Could you help me identify this creature
of the night. Thank you very much,
Phoo
Bangkok, Thailand
Hi Phoo,
This is a relative of the Luna Moth, Actias rhodopneuma. We
located an image on the Thai
Bugs website.
Another Luna Moth
(Saint Patrick's Day, 2007) luna moth
Saw this beautiful creature on the side of a building today
while walking downtown. Had heard if you ever seen a Luna
Moth that you will know but had no idea they were SO gorgeous!!
Rushed home to research and drove back for a pic. Your site
was my first hit. Had no idea these were even native to East
Texas. Thanks for being here! Enjoy All.
W. Shepherd,
Wells, Texas
Hi there W.,
We are starting to see the Luna Moth photos arrive from the
Southern portion of their range. They surely are gorgeous
moths. We are thrilled to be able to post something green
for Saint Patrick's Day.
Luna
Moth
(03/16/2007) The ubiquitous Luna Moth...
Bossier Parish, Louisiana. Felt it was notable for the fact
I had such strong sunlight for the shot...on a macro lens
digital camera... ...I see you have plenty to choose from...thought
I'd throw one more in...
Lawrence
Hi Lawrence,
Thanks for your photo of a beautiful Luna Moth.
Luna Moth in Texas
(02/27/2007) Luna Moth
Took a pic of this Luna Moth on February 27, 2007, just north
of Houston, Tx
Lynne
Hi Lynne,
This is the first official Luna Moth photo we have received
this year, and it is a gorgeous photo..
Luna Moth and Great Poplar Sphinx
(02/24/2007) Luna Moth & Mate????
We Own A cottage business and found this Luna Moth on one
of our cottage piers one morning. If you notice in the picture
under the Luna Moth there is another Moth. Is this her mate
and is it also a Luna Moth? You have a very nice site with
a lot of information! Thank You
Linda Blais
Hi Linda,
Thanks for sending in your photo and question. This is not
an extreme example of sexual dimorphism. The Luna Moth on
top is a different species from the Great Poplar Sphinx below.
This is also not an example of miscegenation. We suspect the
two moths from entirely different families were attracted
to a light and were found resting in close proximity the following
morning.
Luna Moth
(02/08/2007) Luna Moth
How wonderful to find your site!! I was searching for more
information about the Luna Moth. I have a picture that I took
back in Aug. 2005 that I treasure. It is hard to describe
how excited one can get when you see something in your yard
that is so incredibly awesome as this beauty. All you can
think of is "GET the CAMERA" I did & I got several
shots that bright sunny day In my quest to find info later,
I learned what I had seen, and that it is a very rare sighting,
so I felt especially fortunate indeed. But now that I have
found your site; not only do I have more accurate info, [Thank
you for that] but I see that you have "LOTS" of
pictures during 2005 & 2006 So I guess my question is
this- Just how 'rare' is rare and are these beautiful creatures
perhaps increasing in population? Wouldn't that be COOL ?!!
Going to try again- maybe this time I will get it right when
I send you the photo. [sending more angle shots from that
day as well] Thank you for your time& patience.
Deborah Glenn
North Carolina
Hi Deborah,
Thank you for resending your photos. We have seen information
listing the Luna Moth as endangered, but in a true sense,
all life on the planet is endangered. Sightings on some years
might be more rare than on other years, and recent years seem
to have shown an increase in sightings, though that might
be due to the ubiquity of the digital camera and the universal
access to the internet. Nonetheless, your sighting is a wonderful
event that you may never have a chance to repeat, so you have
the photos to reinforce the memory.
Luna Moth in Florida
(01/11/2007) Male Actias Luna in January?
Hi Bugman,
Thanks for your dedication to the inspiring and educational
"What's That Bug?" website. You are sparking the
entomologist in every viewer's heart- whether they knew they
had it in them or not! This beautiful moth appears to be an
Actias Luna and I think it is a male. Because it is appearing
in January, I am wondering if it is an example of an earlier
generation for this year or if you think it is an added generation
from last year? Either way, it is supposed to be dormant in
an "overwinter" stage but there is no winter to
over! Thanks again for your assistance! I look forward to
your reply - if time allows.
Jessica Madden
Education Specialist
The Tampa Tribune
News In Education
Hi Jessica,
Insects that have defined generations generally have individuals
that appear out of season. Also, the emergence patterns will
change if the winter is warmer or colder than normal. This
is most definitely a Luna Moth. Congratulations on a wonderful
sighting.
Luna
Moth Caterpillar
(11/05/2006) Unidentified Caterpiller
Came across this larvae while out hunting yesterday evening.
To give you an idea of the length of the caterpillar, the
arrow broadhead next to the caterpiller is right at about
2 inches long. Figure the larvae is about 3 inches. Nearest
I can tell, its some sort of silkwork moth. I perused thru
your archives and found this exact caterpiller, submitted
on 9/9/04. However, the caterpillar could not be identified.
Hopefully, this is a little better photo for you to work with.
Its got me stumped, as I used to raise Polyphemus and Cecropias,
and this don't look like either! Thanks!
Cameron
Hi Cameron,
We believe this is a Luna Moth Caterpillar.
Luna Moth
(08/23/2006) unknown bug
Bugman,
I know you are overwhelmed, but can you help me out with this
bug. It is about 5 inches across and very flat.
Dennis Mc Donald
Hi Dennis,
The Luna Moth is probably our most unmistakably unique native
moth.
Luna Moth
(08/15/2006) Moth?
We saved this very pretty, very large, moth from being dinner
for my chickens. Could you help me indentify it? Thanks,
Kristin Maynard
Winston Salem,NC
Hi Kristin,
We have been posting images of Luna Moths on our homepage
since May, and it always makes us a bit sad to remove a beautiful
image to make room for new letters, but just like a missed
bus, another comes along soon enough. We are happy to have
your interesting angle on our homepage for a few days before
it takes a more permanent place on our Luna Moth page.
Luna Moths Mating
(08/08/2006) Luna Moths (again!)
My apologies. I inserted the photo instead of attaching it.
Hope it finds you this time. Thanx again,
R.G. Marion
Ed. Note: R.G. sent us a very nice letter
and no image was attached. We requested that she resend the
letter and attach the image as we really wanted to post the
mating Luna Moth photo she described. She resent the image,
but not with the original letter which has vanished into the
black hole of our mailbox system. We are now posting her wonderful
photo and are awaiting her to resend her great letter. Sadly,
it is nearly impossible, with the the mail volume we receive,
to put things together piecemeal. In most cases, we would
give up and not make additional requests, but the nature of
this particular image warrents the time, frustration, and
multiple posting requirements that the piecemeal sending necessitates.
Sadly, it now limits the number of letters that will get a
response today.
As per your request ~ don't mean to waste your time!
Hello Bugman,
This photo is a couple of years old, but I still find it intriguing.
Not only would it make a nice addition to your "BUG LOVE"
page, but I have a nagging question about the photo itself:
It looks as if there's more than one connection between the
two moths. Could you tell me if there is actually something,
visible, passing between the them? There appears to be...
just my imagination? These beauties were suspended over the
entrance to my garage (with spider passing by) in Cosby, TN
~ The Great Smoky Mountains. With thanx for your time,
R.G. Marion
Luna
Moth goes Camping
(08/07/2006) Luna Moth Images
I don't know if you want any more Luna Moth photos, but this
one is from the White Mountains National Forest in New Hampshire,
USA. Not being a bug person, I must admit that when the insect
whapped me in the head and then landed on our lantern, I screamed
like a 5 year-old girl. With kind regards,
Norm Mowry
Hi Norm,
Seeing as we just removed the "old" Luna Moth image from our
homepage, your letter and amusing photo arrived just in time.
Luna
Moths Mating
(08/01/2006) moth sex?
Thought you might enjoy these pictures of a pair of luna moths
that spent Saturday afternoon snogging on our house. Weirdly,
I had just been looking at the many beautiful luna moth pictures
on your site last week, and wishing I could see one in person.
Someone must have been listening. Great site btw.
 
After all these years running this website, we are thrilled
to finally have photos of North America's lovliest insects
mating.
Luna Moth
(07/17/2006) Luna Moth
I finally found out what this beautiful green moth was on
your website. I live in Tampa, Florida and this beautiful
creature was on my house for 24 hours or so, on June 3, 2006.
I've never seen one before in my life. How beautiful!!!
Marguerite
Hi Marguerite,
WE just removed an old photo of a Luna Moth from our homepage,
so we are happy to have your photo to place there.
Luna Moth
(07/04/2006) Fairy Moth: can you identify this moth?
hello .
can you tell me what this is? I live in the poconos in pennsylvania
. this is the second one of these I've seen . the first one
i saw was white any help would be appreciated thank you,
hank
Hi Hank,
The Luna Moth is surely an etherial enough creature to be
called the Fairy Moth. We have been keeping an image of a
Luna Moth on our homepage since May. We can't imagine how
you missed it.
Luna Moth
(06/28/2006) Luna Moth
Hi, just found this Luna Moth on our building in Lansing Michigan.
We didn't know what it was so looked it up and found this
site. Thanks
Linda Norris
MDOT Photo Lab Building
Lansing, Michigan
Hi Linda,
While they are in season, we always keep a Luna Moth on our
homepage.
Luna Moth
(06/22/2006) Luna moth photo
Hi,
Wanted to share this photo. This is the first time we have
seen a luna moth at our home in NH...we have lived here for
20 years. He (I think) stayed in the same spot for nearly
18 hours, and was gone the next morning.
Lynn
Hi Lynne,
We will have to leave your photo on our homepage for a bit
as we are beginning to get letters with Luna Moths again.
Luna Moth
(06/02/2006) what is this moth?
Hi, great site! I found this male luna on our deck today.
Thought you'd enjoy it!
Tammie
Hi Tammie,
Thank you for sending in your lovely photo of a Luna Moth.
Luna Moth
(05/30/2006) Luna Moth - Dying?
Good morning, Bugman!
We've had an adult Luna on our always-shaded front porch for
over 24 hours, resting on the hinged side of the screen door,
one wing on the door itself and the other on the door jam
trim. It is disturbed each time the door is opened, but it
doesn't fly away, only occasionally repositioning a leg. My
husband said it's probably dying. Can you tell us what their
dying ritual is? Does their hanging around in this manner
a part of it? Although I'm thrilled at the possibility of
having a real (albeit dead) Luna, I'm sad that it might be
in its last hours. Thank you for your website. Found it while
researching Luna, and am forwarding the link to my 10-year-old
grandson who will enjoy it immensely.
Best!
J.D. Dirkschneider
Fayetteville, GA
Quickly learned how to use our digital camera. Here's a photo
of our esteemed visitor, convincing hubby that yes, the porch
does need to be painted.
Hi J.D.,
Since Luna Moths only live a few days, they are always hours
from dying. Your photo is beautiful and we love the porch.
artfully shot Luna Moth
(05/25/2006) Have Never Seen Anything Like This
Attached is a photo I took at my office on May 23, 2006 in
Virginia, Minnesota - from looking at your site I have to
assume it is a Luna Moth - I have never seen anything like
this before and I have been around for awhile - it's hard
to believe something this pretty can be classified as a moth
- most of the moths I see around here are not pretty at all!
It blends so nicely with the color of the wood it landed on.
Sue G.
Hi Sue,
Your photo almost looks art directed. The background color
is perfect for the lovely Luna Moth.
Luna Moth
(05/25/2006) Luna moth
Love your website. Just saw this a couple minutes ago next
to my back door. I live in Birmingham, AL and thought I'd
give you another few photos to add to your collection of Luna
Moths.
Cheers, Mari
Hi Mari,
Your Luna Moth is lovely.
Newly Metamorphosed Luna Moth
(05/19/2006) Mutant Bug-Leaf hybrid
This critter has my family back in Indianapolis all worked
up. Any info we could get would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,
Sean
Hi Sean,
This is a newly metamorphosed Luna Moth. Its wings will continue
to expand and harden and soon it will fly off to its nuptial
flight.
Luna Moth
(05/07/2006) green moth?
My children and I Iove to look at your site. Thank you for
putting it together for the benefit of all! We found a lovely
green caterpillar a couple of weeks ago and brought it inside
to watch for the day. Before we knew what was happening, it
had turned into a Chrysalis using some beet greens I had placed
in the container. Well, two weeks later, we found "Rosemary"
the caterpillar had turned into "Rosemary" the moth!
We gently moved her back out of doors and took this picture.
Can you give us any more information about "Rosemary?"
Many thanks.
Tipps Family
Houston, Texas
Dear Tipps,
We have been getting numerous requests for Luna Moth identifications
and have been running images constantly on our homepage for
over a month.
Rosy Maple Moths and Luna Moth
(05/05/2006) Unidentified Moth?
Hi there,
I stumbled across your interesting site while trying to identify
this moth. Please could you try to shed some light on it?
Thanks. I have also attached a photo of a luna moth that paid
me a visit last week.
Regards,
Alan Hearnshaw
 
Hi Alan,
What a nice photo of Rosy Maple Moths, and we always like
getting wonderful Luna Moth images. Your screen gets enviable
traffic.
Thanks. I had researched quite a bit, but couldn't find it,
then I did and also found that they're pretty common and entimologists
get fed up of identifying them. Sorry.
Hi Alan, We are not entomologists and are not fed up
identifying them. We are thrilled to post your fine images.
Thanks for your contribution.
Luna Moth
(05/02/2006) Moth
We just found this Luna moth today 5/2 in Knoxville, TN and
wasn't sure what it was until now.
Reba
Hi Reba,
We never tire of receiving gorgeous photos or this gorgeous
species.
Luna
Moth
(04/28/2006) Larry the Luna Moth
Hi folks at whatsthatbug! We wanted to show you our friend
Larry, who finally emerged from his crysalis yesterday. We
bought the crysalis at Butterfly World in South Florida. After
it emerged we thought Larry was lonesome and needed to mate
for his short life as a Luna Moth. We took him back to Butterfly
World today to release him.
Alex and Lori Bale
Hi Alex and Lori,
Thank you for your wonderful story. We are sure you made Larry's
life short and sweet.
Luna
Moth
(04/28/2006)
Can you tell me what the attached bug could me? The wing span
was pretty big.
Thanks.
Nicole Ferrare
Hi Nicole,
We have an entire page devoted to the Luna Moth.
Luna
Moth
(04/21/2006) Luna Moth
My 4-year-old son and I found this Luna Moth outside our window
this morning. I thought you might appreciate seeing it.it
really is gorgeous!
Barbara
Boyds, MD
Hi Barbara,
We know it is spring when the Luna Moth photos begin to arrive,
just like we know summer is approaching with the Dobsonflies,
and fall with the Hickory Horned Devils.
Rosy
Maple Moth and Luna Moth
(04/21/2006) Mountain Moths
Hi - We live in the mountains of East Tennessee and have 4
girls who are bug crazy! We snapped a couple of pictures of
some of the colorful moths that we find outside our door almost
daily. I never realized how beautiful moths could be until
we moved here. We really enjoy seeing who has come to visit
and thought we'd pass our pictures along to you. If you could
tell us what types of moths these are we would love to know.
We get a ton of the pink & yellow fellows but this was
the first time we had seen one of the green moths. We think
it looks just like the moth in the Lunesta commercial! lol!All
the best,
Libby Edwardson (and Grace, Hattie, Mabel & Essie)
 
Dear Libby, Grace, Hattie, Mabel & Essie
Both of your moths are Saturnid or Giant Silk Moths. The pink
moth is a Rosy Maple Moth, Dryocampa rubicunda. The Green
Moth is a Luna Moth, Actias luna. We suspect it was chosen
for the Lunesta mascot because of its name which means Moon
Moth. Perhaps, the name Lunesta was coined after selecting
the moth as the mascot. Only the advertisers know for sure.
Thanks so much for the reply and for giving us names to put
with our moths. We think your site is great and we will definitely
be bookmarking it for future reference! I thought that Lunesta
moth looked just like our guy. I said to my husband last night
"That's our moth!" when the commercial came on! lol! Pretty
neat. All the best,
Libby & co.
Luna
Moth
(04/20/2006) luna moth
Hi,
I just took this snapshot two days ago in Georgia.
Caesar
Hi Caesar,
You are too modest. Your photo is very beautiful and we are
proud to display it.
Luna Moth Cocoon
(04/10/2006) Cocoon in Maryland
Please see attached photos! I would like to find out what's
inside the cocoon.
Thanks,
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
We believe this is a Luna Moth Cocoon, but it might be a Polyphemus
Moth Cocoon. Both are Giant Silk Moths and form cocoon around
leaves that dry and drop to the ground where they remain in
the leaf litter until they hatch.
South African Luna(like) Moth: Argema mimosae
(04/08/2006) South African Luna Moth
Hi:
We just came back from a trip to South Africa where we found
this large luna moth on the wall of our lodge. It looks slightly
different from its American cousins, but there is a family
resemblence.
Diane & Mark
Hi Diane and Mark,
Your moth is surely Luna-like. This tailed Saturnid Moth is
probably in a different genus than the Luna, but it is definitely
in the same family. We might eventually have a species name.
Hi, I noticed the South African Luna Moth on your website
and thought you would like to know it is Argema
mimosae - commonly called either Luna Moth or Moon Moth.
Kind regards
Aaron in London
Update: (03/15/2008) Moth identification
What's That Bug: Giant Silk Moths The top picture on this
page, "South African Luna(like) Moth," dated 04/08/06, is
of Argema
mittrei, also known as the Comet moth or Madagascan Moon
Moth. I came across a picture of it while searching for identification
of another moth just prior to accessing your site. What a
coincidence. I generally would not write this long after an
entry was posted, but I found no other reference to this beautiful
creature on whatsthatbug.com .
Michelle Gill
Hi Michelle,
We believe the moth in question looks more like Argema mimosae,
and since Argema mittrei is found in Madagascar, and the moth
in question was in South Africa, we believe the identification
that Aaron in London provided long ago is the correct one.
Thanks for bringing this to our attention and we have now
provided links from our entry.
Luna Moth Caterpillar ready to metamorphose
(03/29/2006) Luna
I thought you may want this picture. My sister found this
Luna Moth caterpillar back in September. It was huge. It's
the best picture of its kind that I've seen.
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer,
We agree your photo is stunning. The coloration has changed
from green to reddish and this is a sign that pupation is
imminent.
Polyphemus
Moth Cocoon (or possibly Luna Moth Cocoon)
(03/28/2006) help...
Your site is wonderful. We have just moved from Southern Calif
to South Carolina and would like to learn the flora and fauna
here in south. I photographed this cocoon and have been watching
it closely but if I miss it I would sure like to know what
I missed. Thanks,
Kathy
Hi Kathy,
If you happen to catch the metamorphosis, you will be in for
quite a treat. This is a Polyphemus Moth Cocoon. We have images
of the moths on our Giant Silkworm or Saturnid Moth page.
Sometimes the cocoons are suspended from branches like your
photo, and sometimes they are found in leaf litter on the
ground.
Luna Moth
(03/29/2006)
Thank you so much. I am attaching 3pics of a Luna moth. hope
you enjoy them - looking it up is what led me to your site
(google). Again you are amazing, thanks
Kathy
Hi again Kathy,
Thanks for the follow-up letter, and it brings up an interesting
possibility. Luna Moth Cocoons are nearly always found on
the ground, but we have heard that sometimes they remain attached
to trees. The Luna Cocoon looks very similar to the Polyphemus
Cocoon. Perhaps, just maybe, your cocoon is a Luna Moth Cocoon.
Luna
Moth
(03/24/2006) another luna moth for your collection
I live in The Woodlands, Texas, just north of Houston. A few
minutes ago I saw this guy flutter to the ground, presumably
to catch some sun - we had some early warm temps, but it's
cooled down again! He seems to be a little battered around
the edges, but a beautiful specimen nonetheless.
tristyn
Thanks for sending in your photo Tristyn.
Luna Moth
(03/19/2006) Luna Moth
I'm attaching 2 photos of a beautiful Luna Moth that came
to our window last evening. I was able to get a shot of the
underside from inside the room. It did not look like you had
posted any photos from that angle.
Enjoy.
Scott Broome
Thank you Scott.
Luna
Moth
(03/16/2006)
I found this thing on my backdoor, this thing was huge!
Sean
Apopka, FL.
Hi Sean,
We never tire of seeing photos of the Luna Moth.
Luna Moth
(03/03/2006)
what type of moth is this?
Robert
Hi Robert,
We are thrilled to post your image of a Luna Moth so early
in the season. We get most images in May and June. This is
one of our favorite insects and we have an entire page devoted
to this beauty.
Luna Moth Story
(11/19/2005) Luna Moth
I was so excited to see this beautiful moth on Manitoulin
Island. As a child growing up, I used to raise
(for lack of a better word) cecropia moths, much to my mother's
dismay since the caterpillars have voracious appetites and
make short work of the tree they develop in. You
can immagine my excitement when I saw this huge beauty just
sitting on a door frame more than happy to pose for the camera. I
have included a close-up of the head and shoulder area that
nicely picks up the detail of the hairs and feathery antanae. I
had never seen one of these before and later found out it
was a Luna moth. I also found out that they are
not common in Ontario. Fortunately for me, they
are plentiful on Manitoulin Island, according to the locals. Hopefully
they will continue to thrive on this Island for future generations
to enjoy
Nadjia
Hi Nadjia,
Thanks for the touching letter..
Luna
Moth Headshot
(08/15/2005) Luna Moth
My son took this picture of a Luna Moth while he was filling
out his wings. It is special because of the detail and color
of it's furry body and legs. We have others and I can re-size
it for your website, but thought you'd appreciate the full
detail. Note also his antennae detail. Marc
Hi Marc,
Your Luna Moth headshot is a welcome addition to our site.
It is a view that we have not yet seen.
Luna Moth
(08/02/2005) Ghost Moth
Hello Bugman,
I wish I could say I was a bug girl, but I just can’t
figure out what this peculiar bug is. I am assuming
it is a moth, but am unsure of what type. We have seen
a few of these in the past 2 years and a couple of “hummingbird
moths”. The hummingbird moths tend to catch me
off guard and I do scream quite loud (tend to be about three
fourths (3/4) the size of a dollar bill.) I reside in
Maryland ( Ellicott City area), and have been stumbling upon
a lot of strange critters. I hope you can help, and
if so I may have another picture to send you. It is
of a black caterpillar with gray/white fur all over it.
Reminds me a bit of a baby chimpanzees finger(s) with medium
white hair all over it. We found about 200 + on our
patio when we came home from work 4 days ago (28 July 05).
I gathered them up in a few cans freaking out because they
were trying to borrow in the ground and my dog’s fury
bed. I have 3 caterpillars in a jar with dirt now.
As soon as I put them in there they played possum for about
a minute, and then immediately dug into the soil. One
of them actually has his back facing one side of the jar.
I see him wiggle around every once in a while. I will
truly try and get a picture for you. I am very curious
to see what they become. I have yet to find any info
on the net that I feel is a definitive answer to what we were/are
dealing with. All I can say is that the closest characteristics
out there (personality and looks) is the Walnut Caterpillar.
I am not sure if they would be in Maryland though. Hope you
have some insight to my many curious questions, and I will
keep you posted on my little science project in a jar. Thanks
so much and I look forward to hearing from you soon,
Rhiannon
Hi Rhiannon,
Your mystery moth is a Luna Moth and it can currently be seen
starring in a television commercial for a sleep aid called
Lunesta. We look forward to hearing more about your caterpillars
when they develop.
Canadian Luna Moth
(07/08/2005) Hello
i found your site while researching this wonderful wing insect
i found attached to the door....I recently moved from the
Missouri to Nova Scotia Canada. I am amazed every day with
the beautiful, birds, insects, and plant life. i first saw
The Luna Moth a week or 2 ago during the full moon.
I squeeked like a lil girl at first when i saw it due to the
size my mother in law was soooo happy to see it i had to find
out more about the luna moth. We have now had 3 here in the
last week . I took a couple pics of this beautiful female
i believe thanks for all the great info listed on your
site
thanks
Doffy&Jill
Hi Doffy and Jill,
Your letter is so genuine it touches us. Thanks for adding
to our archive as well.
Luna captured on Cel Phone
(06/16/2005) luna moth
I live in Dutchess County, NY, and today I spotted my first
Luna Moth (a male), hanging out on my screen door. I tried
to relocate it to a nearby tree, but it wanted none of that.
In fact, when I approached it with my camera, it got so scared
it started shaking. Nonetheless, I managed a few pictures
of it anyway, albeit with my cameraphone, and thought
I'd share them with you since I just discovered your wonderful
site. I should start one for birds, although it'd be far less
challenging!
Liz
P.S. There are two images in this zip file: one is of the
moth on the woodchips under the bush and the other is
when it was on the concrete step in front of my door.
Hi Liz,
Thanks for the photo.
Backlit Luna Moth from North Carolina
(06/12/2005) luna moth pic
love your website! I thought I would send you a picture of
our lovely luna moth we found this morning hanging on the
edge of a hosta leaf. The color of the moth and hosta matched
so perfectly we wondered if it was more than coincidence that
he chose to land there?
David & Patricia
Raleigh, NC
Hi David and Patricia,
I must say I feel a twinge of jealousy whenever we receive
a new photo of a Luna Moth, and yours was the second today.
The backlighting in your photo really reveals the delicate
beauty of America's most beautiful moth. Growing up in Ohio,
I never ever saw a living one. Now that I am in California,
there is no chance unless I happen to holiday back east when
they are flying. Thank you for you kind words.
damaged
goods: Luna Moth
(06/12/2005) Large green moth in GA
This moth visited my back deck on a warm rainy night this
June 11, 2005. One pair if "eyes" on the wings is
clearly visible in the photo; there is another pair on the
secondary wings, and you can just make them out through the
top wings. There appears to be damage to the covered
wings in the photo. Is this a type of Satellite Sphinx moth?
Thanks
Mike Duffy
Hi Mike,
Your moth is a Luna Moth, perhaps the lovliest North American
Moth.
Luna Moth
(05/10/2005) not sure what kind of bug this is(pic enclosed)
I Live in Charlotte, NC and last night (5/09/05) my wife heard
a thump outside our bedroom window, I looked and saw what
appeared to be a bat, this was about 10"ish. This morning
we noticed it was still out on the wall so I took some pictures.
Enclosed find a picture, this was taken about twenty feet
away from the insect. I asked a few people down here and no
one knows what this bug is. It is freaken huge for a bug.
George Doscher
Hi George,
While 10 inches is a gross exageration, Luna Moths, what many
consider the most beautiful native insect, can grow to almost
6 inches across. Thanks for the image. There is a new television
commercial for a sleep aid that features the Luna Moth.
Thanks Dan,
Been looking it up now thru usgs web site, a friend called
me and stated that he had one on his screen and it freaked
him out..... as well.... I have been living here for like
five years never seen them before...asked a few people here
and no one knew what it was. By the by you have a cool web
site...
Luna Moth
(04/06/2005) luna moth pics
hi,
i love the site.
i thought i'd send you a couple of great pictures of a luna
moth that came to visit us a few years ago in the laurentian
mountains about an hour' drive north of montreal, canada.
he/she had teh eyes of shiva on her back and stared deep down
into our souls.... we found the answers there. somebody
may have put something in the kool-aid though
keep it up....
michael bailey
 
Thanks so much Michael.
We always like getting Luna Moth photos.
Luna Moth
(03/13/2005) What kind is it?
I have found a butterfly looking bug that my father says he
has not seen since he was a kid, i will included a pic of
the bug so you may identify it and i would like to get a responce
soon, Thank You
Thank you for sending in a new photo of the Luna Moth,
Actias luna. Many people consider it the most beautiful North
American moth.
Luna
Moth
(08/04/2004) Hi-
We thought you would enjoy seeing another pretty luna
moth that has been lounging on our front porch welcoming visitors
since yesterday (8-3-04). Since then, it has moved from
vertical to horizontal !! Not really exerting itself
to much. We are in Dublin, OH (outside Columbus).
Kevin and Lorraine
Thanks so much Kevin and Lorraine,
We are rotating your photo to the vertical position to maximize
the size as well as to include the ruler.
(07/05/2004) Luna Moth
Hello,
I have been lucky enough to have seen a Luna Moth. It
is so beautiful! It was found where I work and was alive
for about 2 days (since being found). It has now died
and I am wondering if you would know of a way I can keep it
without it decaying, some way to preserve it. If you
could help it would be greatly appreciated.
Dear Ripleys,
Lucky you. Great sighting. Where are you located? Your moth
will dry naturally. The biggest danger is protecting it from
dermestid which will devour it. These tiny beetles can be
kept out with moth crystals.
(06/07/2004) Luna Moth
Hello there! You folks have a very informative
web site and a much larger database than I thought.
I am very pleased to have found you. My husband &
I had this great visitor on May 22nd (it hung out all day)
and would love to know what it is exactly. We live in
Pike County, PA. near the Delaware River and I have never
seen anything like this. He/she was gorgeous!
Thank you for your terrific site and for any help you may
be able to give us in identifying this unique-looking (to
us, anyway) insect.
Sincerely,
The Fisher's
P.S. Wishing I had captured something this beautiful resting
on something more beautiful (not our screen door), I Photoshopped our
moth onto another picture I had taken of some Coral flowers
years back.
Again, thank you! and have a terrific day!
Dear Fishers,
You have been lucky enough to see a Luna Moth, arguably the
most beautiful North American moth. These are members of the
Giant Silkworm Family Saturniidae. The caterpillar feeds on
gum, walnut, hickory and persimmon tree leaves. In the fall
it drops to the ground and forms a cocoon by spinning silk
around a leaf. It winters on the ground and emerges as an
adult moth in the spring. Adults do not feed. They live solely
to mate. Congratulations on your wonderful sighting and also
for sharing your beautiful photo with us. We are reproducing
it full size, not the normal 3 inches we usually post. We
also prefer your screen door to the floral background.
THANK YOU, Daniel. What lovely and warm people you are over
there!!!! I never expected to hear back from you so soon.
We appreciate your kinds words and expertise immensely.
(And I agree, the screen door shot is better. Thank YOU.)
Do take care, Roy & Carie Fisher
(5/13/2003)
Hoax?
Your web site appears to be serious but when I clicked on
the luna moth the picture does not appear right. Before
I share your site with others please checkout the photo.
Maybe someone hacked into your site.
G. Roberts
Dear
G.
If you go to the cryptozoology.com
site, you will understand why we had some fun with this
one.
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