During a recent walk along one of the service roads at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, I spotted a stunning Luna Moth perched on a bush. The moth’s distinctive green wings and long, curving tails immediately caught my attention, and I couldn’t resist getting a few photos as the wind gently swayed it back and forth.
The Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful area of Oklahoma that offers visitors the chance to experience nature up close. With the refuge now fully open as of April 1, visitors can explore the service roads. It’s worth noting, however, that non-employee vehicles are not permitted on the service roads, so walking is the only way to get around.
But let’s talk more about the Luna Moth, one of the most distinctive and beautiful moths you’re likely to encounter in North America. These stunning creatures are named after the Roman goddess of the moon, and it’s easy to see why. Their wings are a vibrant shade of green, with striking eye-like markings that give them an otherworldly appearance. The moth’s long, trailing tails are also a distinctive feature that sets it apart from other species.
Luna Moths are found throughout much of North America, but they are most commonly seen in the eastern United States. They typically emerge from their cocoons in late spring or early summer, and their adult lifespan is quite short – only about a week. During this time, they focus on finding a mate and reproducing before passing away.
Despite their short lifespan, Luna Moths play an important role in their ecosystem. As caterpillars, they feed on the leaves of a variety of trees, including birch, hickory, and walnut. This makes them an important food source for many other animals, including birds and small mammals.