During my recent photography expedition in the Ouachita National Forest of Arkansas, I had the opportunity to capture an image of a fascinating creature – the Luna Moth Caterpillar. This rare species is actually the early stage of the magnificent Luna Moth, a native of North America.
Luna Moth Caterpillar
Luna Moth Caterpillars are known to feed on the leaves of deciduous trees such as birch, persimmon, and sweetgum. They shed their skin several times before fully maturing and spinning a cocoon, which leads to their transformation into adult Luna Moths.
The Luna Moth is an incredibly striking species, characterized by its delicate and beautiful lime-green wings and long tails. Spotting these elusive creatures can be challenging, as they live for only about a week after emerging from their cocoons.
It was a thrilling experience to come across the Luna Moth Caterpillar crossing a county road in the Ouachita National Forest. I feel extremely fortunate to have captured a photo of this stunning creature.
Gear Used:
- Camera:Â Canon EOS R5
- Lens: RF100-500Â mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Technical:
- Location: Near My House (Arkansas)
- Date and Time Taken: September 3, 2022 (10:54 A. M.)
- Exposure Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f10
- Shutter speed: 1/800
- ISO: 250 (Auto)
- Exposure Compensation: +1/3 EV
- Focal Length: 500 mm
Here is a photo of a Luna Moth I took:Â Luna Moth Missing Hind Wing