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NO. 009Luna moth, male illustrationIllustration · not shown at life size

Moths / Insect

Luna moth

Actias luna

Adult · maleA special find

Long tails trail behind this pale green moth. The adult spends its short life without eating.

Let’s look closer

Little clues

Three things to notice.

  1. Pale green wings.

  2. Long tails on the hindwings.

  3. Adults do not eat.

Out in the world

Where to look.

Around southeastern Wisconsin

Wooded areas, early summer.

When to look

June nights, especially near woodland.

Look closely. Leave your tiny neighbor where you found it.

A closer look

One clue is just the start.

The long green tails belong to the back wings. Let a resting moth stay where it is; its wings are delicate.

A special find can be hard to spot without being biologically rare. Encounters depend on season and habitat.

For curious grownups, too

Read a little further.

Original summaries, with references for deeper reading.