I found this pretty Luna Moth while I was out near my workshop. They are pretty common here in the mid-atlantic region, but we usually don't see them until summer. I guess they are getting an early start because of the mild winter.
The adult is a gorgeous pale green with red and yellow trim plus some white pinstripes. I think this particular specimen is a female because she has relatively small antennae. The males have big fluffy antennae that they use to detect the female mating hormones from miles away.
Most of the time we see Luna Moths at night when they are attracted to the house lights. Their nocturnal habits make them a favorite food of bats, which is why they have the long tails. The bats often echolocate incorrectly and attack the tails, allowing the moth to escape.
The caterpillars are also bright green, but it is rare to find one because they feed in the tops of trees. Unlike many other caterpillars, the Luna Moth caterpillar has a digestive enzyme that breaks down the toxin Juglone, which is found in walnut and hickory leaves. Although they can eat hickory and walnut, their favorite food is sweet gum leaves. We happen to have a very large sweet gum right behind our house.
We are feeling very lucky to have a piece of property full of nature to keep us entertained while we hide out from the Corona virus. If you are stuck in a little appartment, thank you for staying indoors. It is quite a sacrifice that we all benefit from and I appreciate it.
