New Jersey Butterfly Club
A chapter of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA)
Luna Moth (Actias luna)
Hodges number: 7758
Family: Saturniidae
Subfamily: Saturniinae
Wingspan: 3.0-4.0 inches
Range in NJ: Statewide
A U.S./Canada distribution map for this species is available.
Flight Period: April-July, 2 broods
Caterpillar Food Plants: Many species of deciduous trees.
Comments: This may be the most well-known and spectacular species of moth in NJ. Lunas are easily attracted to lights, including standard incandescent and fluorescent bulbs.
Adult, Fredon Twp., Sussex Co., NJ, 5/17/20. This extremely fresh individual is perched on Common Lilac but is not nectaring, as adult silkworm moths do not have functioning mouthparts.
Egg.
1st-instar caterpillar.
2nd-instar caterpillar.
3rd-instar caterpillar.
4th-instar caterpillar.
5th-instar caterpillar.
5th-instar caterpillar “on safari” (searching for a pupation site), Cape May Point SP, Cape May Co., NJ, 9/19/23.
Pupa.
Eclosing.