Despite its bright colors and wide wingspan, this is not a butterfly. The Luna Moth (Actias luna) is a giant butterfly that, although very common in its range, can be difficult to find because its color often matches the color of its environment.

The name “Luna” given to this butterfly means “moon”, like the patterned eyes on its wings. This beautiful insect is also sometimes called the moon moth or the American moon moth. They are most active when the moon is high in the sky, this outstanding feature makes Luna moths difficult to confuse with other butterflies.

Luna moths are strongly attracted to light, so you may see them circling your yard bulbs during the breeding season (spring to early summer).

When the sun rises, they tend to find a place to rest, you can find them around your house.

Both males and females are pale green, have long tails, curved from the hind wings, and have patterned eyes on each wing. The breeding season in the south is usually darker in color, often brown to dark brown.

During the late breeding season in the South and the breeding season in the North, butterflies tend to be pale and have yellow edges. Males can be easily distinguished from females by their exceptionally long antennae.

The caterpillars (larvae) of this species are lime green with red spots and sparse hairs, and a pale stripe running vertically just below the spiracles. Luna caterpillars are typically 2.5 inches (65 mm) long in their final stages.