cs4917
Luna Moth (Actias luna)
This is a luna moth (Actias luna) that I found outside behind my work a few days ago. Luna moths are typically found all along the eastern United States and up into some southern parts of Canada. Their preferred habitat is deciduous forests, and there is a fairly wooded area behind my work. They aren’t seen very often since their lifespan is relatively short; because of this, luna moths in the same population tend to emerge around the same time as each other.
The moth’s color and wing pattern is a great example of an adaptation to predation. The “eye-spots” on the wings are to confuse anything wanting to eat them into thinking that the moth is a larger predator. The bright colors also perform the same job.
Citations:
Blazer, Cassandra. Luna Moth. 2007. bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/f2012/blazer_cass/index.htm.
Staake, Jill. "The Lovely Luna Moth." Birds & Blooms.” June 2015. Website birdsandblooms.com. Jan 2018. (www.birdsandblooms.com/blog/lovely-luna-moth/)
Luna Moth (Actias luna)
This is a luna moth (Actias luna) that I found outside behind my work a few days ago. Luna moths are typically found all along the eastern United States and up into some southern parts of Canada. Their preferred habitat is deciduous forests, and there is a fairly wooded area behind my work. They aren’t seen very often since their lifespan is relatively short; because of this, luna moths in the same population tend to emerge around the same time as each other.
The moth’s color and wing pattern is a great example of an adaptation to predation. The “eye-spots” on the wings are to confuse anything wanting to eat them into thinking that the moth is a larger predator. The bright colors also perform the same job.
Citations:
Blazer, Cassandra. Luna Moth. 2007. bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/f2012/blazer_cass/index.htm.
Staake, Jill. "The Lovely Luna Moth." Birds & Blooms.” June 2015. Website birdsandblooms.com. Jan 2018. (www.birdsandblooms.com/blog/lovely-luna-moth/)