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Saturniidae (Giant Silkmoths)•Egg to adult: 53 days

Luna Moth

Actias luna

Darwin Core (DwC) Taxonomic Classification

Actias luna (Linnaeus, 1758)

OrderLepidoptera
FamilySaturniidae
GenusActias
Speciesluna

Quick Rearing Snapshot & Biology Overview

Rearing and biology notes for Luna Moth

Instant Answers
Host Plants

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), Hickory (Carya spp.), Walnut (Juglans nigra)

Life Cycle Time

~53 Days total (Egg → Butterfly)

Winter Behavior

Pupal Diapause (Does Not Migrate)

Pupation Anchor

Ground Leaf Litter

Thermal Degree-Day Hatch SimulatorInteractive

Slide ambient temperature to see how heat accelerates metamorphosis for Luna Moth

75°F / 24°C
65°F (Cool / Slow)75°F (Optimal Room Temp)85°F (Warm / Fast)
Egg Incubation~7 Days
Larval Instars~28 Days
Chrysalis / Pupa~18 Days
Total Metamorphosis~53 Days

*Calculated via standard insect thermal summation models (base threshold 50°F / 10°C).

PLATE V • FIG. 5A•Taxonomic Plate • ADULT

Luna Moth

Actias luna (Linnaeus, 1758) — Saturniidae • Saturniinae

5 cm Scale
•
Acoustic Deflection Tails
•
Transparent Fenestra Eyespot
•
Magenta Costal Margin
•
Quadripectinate Antenna
Key Diagnostic Field Identifiers:
  • Luminous translucent lime-to-emerald green wings with delicate white venous hairs
  • Heavily sclerotized purple-magenta leading costal margin
  • Four transparent discal eyespots (ocelli) ringed with yellow, blue, and black
  • Long, sweeping, twisted swallowtail tails that deflect bat echolocation sonar clicks
  • Quadripectinate feathery antennae in males for long-distance pheromone detection
Sexual Dimorphism Identification:Males possess broad, lush feather-like quadripectinate antennae capable of detecting single female pheromone molecules up to 5 miles away. Females have narrower, simpler bipectinate antennae and heavier abdomens.
:7 Days
:28 Days
:18 Days
:~53 Days

Larval Host Flora:

Silo 02 Botany

Only supply fresh, pesticide-free foliage from these verified native botanical species:

  • •Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
  • •Hickory (Carya spp.)
  • •Walnut (Juglans nigra)
  • •Birch (Betula spp.)
  • •Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)

Key Husbandry Tips

Silo 04 Husbandry
  • •Larvae grow very large (up to 3 inches) and make rhythmic clicking sounds with mandibles if disturbed.
  • •When ready to pupate, larvae turn reddish-brown and spin a tough silk cocoon among fallen dried host leaves at the bottom of the enclosure.
  • •Emerged adults have vestigial, non-functional mouthparts and no digestive system, so they cannot eat or drink and are not fed; they are released within 24 hours on a calm, warm evening.

Frequently Asked Questions (Luna Moth)

Direct answers to the most common rearing, diet, and metamorphosis questions

Q&A Hub
Metamorphosis typically takes ~53 days from oviposition to adult eclosion at 75°F (24°C).

Master Research Guides for Luna Moth

Rearing protocols, lifecycle stages, and field husbandry

Field Notes
Husbandry & Pathology

Is It Ethical to Raise Butterflies? The Scientific Debate, Commercial Kits & Conservation Guidance

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Emergency Care & Rehab

Is My Caterpillar Molting or Dying? The Complete Ecdysis Diagnostic: Silk Mats, Faceplate Shedding & Pathology Triage

12 min read→
Species Identification

How to Raise Luna, Cecropia & Polyphemus Moths: Deciduous Branch Sleeving, Giant Larval Diet & Cocoon Diapause

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Region: Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Great Lakes & Canada