Wildlife Wednesday 09/17/2025
The striking luna moth, also known as the American moon moth, spends about a month of its life cycle as a handsome and hungry caterpillar.
Found in deciduous woodlands in North America where their larval foods occur, the hardy caterpillars spend most of their time eating. They munch upon the leaves of walnut, hickory, birch, and sweet gum trees.
Their lime green bodies have yellow lines and red spots, and are equipped with small spines which are thought to act as protection from predators such as lizards and birds. They also make warning clicking noises with their mandibles and vomit to deter predators, the expelled regurgitated food having a foul smell and taste.
After 3-4 weeks spent eating and eating, the caterpillar constructs a simple silk cocoon on the forest floor. The pupal stage lasts approximately two weeks in warm climates, and in cold climates the pupae may overwinter covered in leaf litter.
The large translucent creature that emerges from the cocoon is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful and interesting moth species.
Its adult life stage is brief, lasting only 7-10 days. The moth does not have a functional mouth or digestive system, so it must rely on the energy stored from all the food it consumed as a caterpillar. Proof that it is important to eat your greens!
Meet the luna moth caterpillar at the Enchanted Forest! Between bites of leaves this character will share more fun facts and potentially even burst into song!