Male vs Female Luna Moth: 3 Key Differences

 
Luna moths are some of the most iconic members of their species. Their large green wings and striking eyespots combine to create one of the most elegant moths of all time. But have you ever wondered how to discern whether the luna moth youre looking at is a male or a female? Although it may not be obvious there are several prominent characteristics that can help you distinguish the two genders. Today lets discuss three key differences between male and female luna moths.
Luna Moths A Brief History

On average luna moths live for less than two weeks.
Actias luna also known as the luna moth or moon moth is one of the largest moths native to North America. A naturalist named James Petiver first described the luna moth in the early 1700s. They are commonly found all throughout the Eastern portion of the United States and some even inhabit parts of Canada. The temperature where the luna moths live will determine how many generations will be seen per year. Up north only one generation typically emerges during the peak summer months. However deeper in the south it is not unheard of for there to be three generations yearly. These moths will emerge from early spring to late summer.
Although the population of luna moths is stable at present things were not always this way. At one point a tachinid fly was introduced to North America. This was in an attempt to curb the populations of the harmful spongy moth. Although it was successful in this mission it began to also harm populations of giant silk moths and luna moths were among the affected. In a journal authored by Kellogg et al. 2003 We found that C. concinnata was responsible for 78 of the parasitism on A. luna caterpillars in a site near the leading edge of the gypsy moths range. In combination with Boettner et al. 2000 these results indicate that the tachinid has the potential to alter the population dynamics of many saturniid moths throughout the eastern United States.
Physical Characteristics
Many people believe that luna moths bring good fortune to all who observe them.
The physical characteristics between male and female luna moths are subtle. However once youre aware of them they become much easier to see at a glance. Male luna moths are generally a lighter shade of lime green and they have slightly smaller bodies when compared to females. On the