Post by trehopr1 on Jun 28, 2020 9:04:53 GMT
Here in the eastern half of the United States we have a somewhat large, graceful, and captivating species of moth which is "unique" amongst all our native species. With its bright green color and flowing tails the Luna Moth (Actias luna) is surely our most resplendent species...
In the woodlands and wayside's of our more rural spaces the Luna moth may sometimes be glimpsed as a ghostly traveler in the pale moonlight; the moonlight of coarse passing through the sheer wings and reflective wing color. One could say that these lovely creatures appear almost as "little pale spirits" floating on the peripheral edge of campfire light and the darkness beyond.
More often however, a casual observer may see one resting on a barn door under a light or on the well-lit side of a building.
Luna moths tend to be creatures of old growth forests. However, forest remnants or "pockets" can produce and sustain localized populations which show up (here and there) in areas otherwise long devoid of the species. In the Northern states of their range the caterpillars are known to feed on beech trees. Here the species has but, one brood (generation). However, in other places such as the central Mid-west states and further on south the species has 2-3 generations occurring which may be found on persimmon, walnut, hickory, and sweet gum.
First generation or "spring" brood specimens are most popular amongst collectors for their (additional) purple marginal "highlighting" ever present on the outer edges of the forewings and hindwings as well. This is something which is not seen in the later broods which have outer margins outlined instead in yellow !
Pictured: Two Spring brood (males)
Luna moths are subtly different (in appearance) between the sexes. Males are always a brighter, bolder, shade of "light" apple green color. Their antennae are of coarse bi-pectinate (plumose) and their tails are half again longer than those of the females. Even the hair on the males bodies is different in that the thoratic hair is yellowish with the abdominal hair appearing mostly white in fresh specimens (see first photo). Males also have more (tapered) or angular wings than those of females.
Females, on the other hand have a much more "pale green" appearance with wings of a much broader and/or rounded shape. In fact, it is because of their paler reflective color and sheer wings that moonlight passing through them lends them an other than worldly appearance... Their antennae are much thinner than those of the males and unlike the males their bodies throughout are covered in snow white hair. Tails on females tend to be stouter and a usually shorter appearing.
Collectors and breeders have long found Luna moths popular to raise in an effort at getting perfect examples. However, as is the case with other large Saturniid moths proper and mindful care must be taken for a healthy brood and a good crop. No over-crowding of the larvae, frequent changing for fresh food, protection from marauding birds, flies, and assorted Hymenoptera etc.etc. Lack of adherence to any one item will result in fewer healthy larvae, a smaller crop, or smaller appearing adults.
Out in nature (from what I have seen) most "wild" examples generally seem to reach a typical size for the species. However, even here things can happen resulting in the occasional under-sized or "mini" luna specimen as pictured below.
Pictured: Two "spring" brood (male) luna's (wild collected); featuring a natural "mini" male.
For comparison sake I am posting below the relative size of a typical Luna pictured next to a Cecropia moth of nearly 6 inches (tip-tip).
In the next photo below I feature the leaf wrapped cocoons of the Luna moth. They seem very papery and thin as compared with the much more dense and tougher cocoons/silk present amongst the Polyphemus, Promethea, and Cecropia moths. However, this species tends to spin its cocoons amongst the leaf litter at the ground level where it will soon be covered by additional leaves and eventually snow.
Additionally, I have placed in my Luna drawer my favorite artistic rendering of this "Ghostly traveler in the pale moonlight"...
Pictured: Luna Moth on the wing... / The How and Why Wonder Book of Butterflies and Moths
The Luna Moth has been popularized here for a very long time. Its image may be seen on sleep products (for example); as well as on other things of which some have come and gone... Even older books discussing moths, lighting, night collecting etc. have renderings of Luna every now and again present.
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Finally, pictured below is probably the finest cover shot (close-up) of the Luna Moth that I know of...
It graced the cover of this children's Insect "activity" book of the late 1960's and early 1970's.
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I absolutely adored this book when I was quite young and an aspiring entomologist. Made me think of the many wonderful things which I might one day encounter as a "small game" hunter. I read it cover to cover and probably owned at least 3 copies !
I still admire it for its simple appeal and charm...
So, thanks for tuning-in on another talk of something entomological.
Perhaps, you too have a ghostly traveler who follows the moonbeams in the pale moonlight !
In the woodlands and wayside's of our more rural spaces the Luna moth may sometimes be glimpsed as a ghostly traveler in the pale moonlight; the moonlight of coarse passing through the sheer wings and reflective wing color. One could say that these lovely creatures appear almost as "little pale spirits" floating on the peripheral edge of campfire light and the darkness beyond.
More often however, a casual observer may see one resting on a barn door under a light or on the well-lit side of a building.
Luna moths tend to be creatures of old growth forests. However, forest remnants or "pockets" can produce and sustain localized populations which show up (here and there) in areas otherwise long devoid of the species. In the Northern states of their range the caterpillars are known to feed on beech trees. Here the species has but, one brood (generation). However, in other places such as the central Mid-west states and further on south the species has 2-3 generations occurring which may be found on persimmon, walnut, hickory, and sweet gum.
First generation or "spring" brood specimens are most popular amongst collectors for their (additional) purple marginal "highlighting" ever present on the outer edges of the forewings and hindwings as well. This is something which is not seen in the later broods which have outer margins outlined instead in yellow !
Pictured: Two Spring brood (males)Luna moths are subtly different (in appearance) between the sexes. Males are always a brighter, bolder, shade of "light" apple green color. Their antennae are of coarse bi-pectinate (plumose) and their tails are half again longer than those of the females. Even the hair on the males bodies is different in that the thoratic hair is yellowish with the abdominal hair appearing mostly white in fresh specimens (see first photo). Males also have more (tapered) or angular wings than those of females.
Females, on the other hand have a much more "pale green" appearance with wings of a much broader and/or rounded shape. In fact, it is because of their paler reflective color and sheer wings that moonlight passing through them lends them an other than worldly appearance... Their antennae are much thinner than those of the males and unlike the males their bodies throughout are covered in snow white hair. Tails on females tend to be stouter and a usually shorter appearing.
Collectors and breeders have long found Luna moths popular to raise in an effort at getting perfect examples. However, as is the case with other large Saturniid moths proper and mindful care must be taken for a healthy brood and a good crop. No over-crowding of the larvae, frequent changing for fresh food, protection from marauding birds, flies, and assorted Hymenoptera etc.etc. Lack of adherence to any one item will result in fewer healthy larvae, a smaller crop, or smaller appearing adults.
Out in nature (from what I have seen) most "wild" examples generally seem to reach a typical size for the species. However, even here things can happen resulting in the occasional under-sized or "mini" luna specimen as pictured below.
Pictured: Two "spring" brood (male) luna's (wild collected); featuring a natural "mini" male.
For comparison sake I am posting below the relative size of a typical Luna pictured next to a Cecropia moth of nearly 6 inches (tip-tip).
In the next photo below I feature the leaf wrapped cocoons of the Luna moth. They seem very papery and thin as compared with the much more dense and tougher cocoons/silk present amongst the Polyphemus, Promethea, and Cecropia moths. However, this species tends to spin its cocoons amongst the leaf litter at the ground level where it will soon be covered by additional leaves and eventually snow.
Additionally, I have placed in my Luna drawer my favorite artistic rendering of this "Ghostly traveler in the pale moonlight"...
Pictured: Luna Moth on the wing... / The How and Why Wonder Book of Butterflies and Moths
The Luna Moth has been popularized here for a very long time. Its image may be seen on sleep products (for example); as well as on other things of which some have come and gone... Even older books discussing moths, lighting, night collecting etc. have renderings of Luna every now and again present.
Finally, pictured below is probably the finest cover shot (close-up) of the Luna Moth that I know of...
It graced the cover of this children's Insect "activity" book of the late 1960's and early 1970's.
I absolutely adored this book when I was quite young and an aspiring entomologist. Made me think of the many wonderful things which I might one day encounter as a "small game" hunter. I read it cover to cover and probably owned at least 3 copies !
I still admire it for its simple appeal and charm...
So, thanks for tuning-in on another talk of something entomological.
Perhaps, you too have a ghostly traveler who follows the moonbeams in the pale moonlight !
