![]() In the south, luna moths breed up to three times a year. ![]() In the northern parts of their range, including our Finger Lakes region, luna moths typically breed once per year in June. The eggs hatch after another week, and the cycle begins anew. The females begin laying eggs by the following night, continuing for several nights more. The females emit a sex pheromone, which the males can detect even at a great distance with their broad, feathery antennae. They have only about a week to do so before they die. Their sole purpose in life is to reproduce. They typically emerge in the morning, leaving time to spread and dry their wings before their first night of flight.Īdult luna moths do not eat at all, and therefore have only vestigial mouthparts and no digestive system. After about three weeks, their metamorphosis now complete, adult luna moths cut their way out using serrated spurs near the base of the front edge of their wings. ![]() The larvae have five molt stages, or instars, culminating in the formation of a pupa encased in a papery cocoon and wrapped in leaves. Scientists believe that populations of luna moths throughout their range have adapted to prefer particular local hardwood trees as host plants, including birch, hickory, beech, willow, and cherry. ![]() They are common in deciduous forests from Saskatchewan to Texas, and from Nova Scotia to Florida. Luna moths are among the largest moth species in North America, with a wingspan of 3 to 4 inches. ![]()
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