Luna Moth

Description:

A large moth in the family Saturniidae with a wingspan of 3.1-4.5cm. The Luna Moth is a member of the Giant Silkworm Moth family and interestingly, does not eat once it's in it's moth form. The feeding it does as a caterpillar will sustain it for the rest of its life. The only function the Luna has in it's moth stage is mating. The male moths can be discerned by their feathery antennae which they use to pick up on female pheromones.

Habitat:

Understory of mature forest.

Notes:

This moth was resting on a spicebush, which is not considered one of their main host plants. This individual is a male - you can tell by his feathery antennae