[two_third last=”no”]

[title size=”2″]Luna Moth[/title]

The luna moth is one of the most prevalent silkmoths in the United States. It is very prevalent in the deciduous hardwood forests of the Ozarks. These moths are known for their pale green color that is accented on the outer edges by either pink or yellow depending on their specific location. The wing span of the luna moth can range from just under three to just over four inches. The moths are mostly nocturnal and mate after midnight. The females then lay their eggs the following evening on both the top and bottom sides of plant leaves. The gestation period of the eggs is one week, after which caterpillars hatch. The caterpillars use leaves and their own silk to spin brown cocoons of a papery texture that hang below the leaves of plants. Eggs and caterpillars are most often found on trees such as the white birch, as well as different types of walnuts, hickories, and sumacs, and persimmon and sweet gum trees. Though the caterpillars spend nearly all of their time eating, the adult moths do not feed. The adults are adept fliers and are one of the many moths that are attracted to light at night. If you go camping in the Ozarks, you are sure to run into a few of these luna moths around your camp lantern.

[/two_third]

Actias luna

[one_third last=”yes”]

[/one_third]