The other day, I went to open my front door and this beautiful moth was stuck to the door. This is not a touched up photo. This is a real moth that looks like it is stuck to my door. I think it was dead because my friend touched it and it did not move.
When I asked what she thought it was, she replied that it might be a gypsy moth. This did not sound good. The next morning I went out to see if the moth was there and it was gone. Either it was a good actor and played dead well or something ate it.
So, I am asking my readers, what kind of moth is this and should I be worried? If so, what natural product can I use?
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{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
http://www.whatsthatbug.com/luna.html
it’s a big beautiful LUNA moth! (the-what’s-that-bug site is a fun one to browse!)
“Luna Moth, arguably the most beautiful North American moth. These are members of the Giant Silkworm Family Saturniidae. The caterpillar feeds on gum, walnut, hickory and persimmon tree leaves. In the fall it drops to the ground and forms a cocoon by spinning silk around a leaf. It winters on the ground and emerges as an adult moth in the spring. Adults do not feed. They live solely to mate. “
I have never seen a moth like that! I’m scared to death of bugs so I hope I never do see it. I do like the color though.
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Erin beat me to the punch and his description, etc. are spot on.
Though I don’t like bugs, this moth is really pretty. Often animals can play dead to the point of us believing them. Or maybe a wind came along and moved the moth?
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well, i can’t take credit, it’s from the URL i listed, and… I’m a she…. but thank you!
Erin, so I gather from your response, that I have nothing to worry about? I have never seen this type of moth before. Anna
correct….just enjoy them. I think you are lucky to be visited!
Erin, is there a way to attract them to your property? Does they help in your garden? What is their natural habitat? I read that butterflies like aster plants for their coocoons. Anna
Man, that picture is crazy. Never seen a moth that big and colorful.
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I read that they dont even have a MOUTH! larvae love to eat hickory sweetgum or walnut leaves. the nocturnal adults are attracted to lights. the adult lives a week or two at most.
check these links, I’m no expert just a good websurfer!
http://www.ivyhall.district96....../luna.html
http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species?l=3292
Relax! Even if it was a harmful moth, it was just ONE MOTH. No need to use any product at all unless it is causing damage.
Thanks Elizabeth. You are absolutely right. Anna
Green Talk….you don’t say where you live. I’m in middle Tennessee and I saw this moth yesterday morning. It was on a door in the backyard area. I was talking to my dogs, feeding, etc. I looked up and wow! It is so beautiful. yes, it did allow me to get very close but I didn’t touch for fear it would fly away. But I was facsinated by the size. Early afternoon I was checking on the dogs and was going to check on the moth and it was gone. Looking around the yard it was about 5 ft. from the door it had been on and I would guess one of the dogs pawed it to the ground. It made me sad to see the beauty on the ground. I moved it to the outside of the fence.
Sharon, I am in New Jersey. I never saw the moth again. So beautiful. Anna
It’s a luna moth, one of the largest moths found in the United States. There’s no need to fear them.