On a beautiful April day in 2016, I came upon a fascinating Luna Moth near my home in Arkansas at around 3:00 PM. Unfortunately, the moth was missing a hind wing, but it still amazed me with its striking appearance. The Luna Moth is known for its large size and beautiful green color, which is a result of reflecting light rather than pigmentation.
Upon closer inspection, I noticed that the moth was covered in stunning eye spots on its main wings. These eye spots serve as a natural defense mechanism against predators, as they create the illusion of a much larger and more intimidating creature.
Luna Moths are known for their short lifespan, lasting only about a week. During this time, they will spend most of their days in search of a mate before passing on their genes to the next generation. After mating, the female Luna Moth will lay her eggs on the leaves of deciduous trees, where they will hatch into caterpillars and feed on the leaves.
Luna Moth Missing Hind Wing
I was hand-holding a Canon EOS 7D Mark II with a Canon EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens attached.
Camera Settings
- AV Mode
- Aperture: f6.3
- ISO: 800
- Shutter speed: 1/2000 sec.
- Focal Length: 400 mm
Here is a photo of a Luna Moth with both hind wings. I took this photo back on May 2015. Its main wing is a little tattered. I took this on the same tree as the one above.
Luna Moth On The Side Of A Tree
FAQs
1. Are Luna Moths found only in Arkansas?
Luna Moths are found throughout North America, and their range extends beyond Arkansas to other regions as well.
2. Do Luna Moths have any predators that can see through their eye spot defense?
While some predators may not be deterred by the eye spots, they are effective against many potential threats.
3. What is the main purpose of Luna Moths’ short lifespan?
Luna Moths’ brief life is dedicated to finding a mate and reproducing, ensuring the continuation of their species.
4. Can Luna Moths survive with a missing wing?
Luna Moths can survive with a missing wing, although it may affect their ability to fly and evade predators.
5. How can I attract Luna Moths to my garden for photography?
Planting host trees like birch, willow, and sweetgum can attract Luna Moths to your garden, providing great photography opportunities.