The caterpillars are herbivores that feed on the foliage of many types of trees. Luna moth caterpillars are lime green with a series of yellow lines and reddish-orange spots running down both sides. Male Luna moth antennae fan out much like a feather. Female Luna moths have slender fuzzy antennae. Males tend to be a lighter shade of green and are slightly smaller than females. There are a few visible differences between male and female Luna moths. Louisiana has experienced recorded sightings of Luna moths during each month of the year. In the deep south, it is not unusual for Luna moths to have three generations in a single year (March-September).

Farther south, through the Ohio River Valley, Luna moths produce two generations per year. Luna moths that live and breed in Canada and the northern bordering states produce one generation (brood) per year (May-July). Luna moths thrive in eastern North America, as far west as Texas, and a large portion of southeastern Canada. Luna moths are most likely to be found in forested areas, commonly deciduous woodlands, but can be attracted to well-lighted areas in the evening. Like most moths, Luna moths are predominately active at night (nocturnal), but sightings during daylight hours do occur. Luna moths are considered saturniid moths, referring to the use of wing patterns as a defense mechanism against predators. The name is derived from Luna, the Roman moon goddess. Also known as the American Moon Moth, Luna moths are common throughout South Carolina.

The Luna Moth ( Actias luna), with its incredible size (3-4.5-inch wingspan), sea-foam green to yellow color, and long tails, is one of the most spectacular moths found in North America. Boone, South Carolina Forestry Commission: Image 1150003. Female Luna moth antennae are slender and fuzzy when compared to male antennae. The male Luna moth has feathery antennae. Luna moths are one of the silkworm moths.

Lunar moth lifespan