Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1208164

Luna moth
Actias luna

Observation date: June 04, 2019
Submitted by: Elgourdo
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: I noticed the newly emerged Luna, on a plant a couple of feet from a paper birch tree, in full shade. It was an area where I had yet to clear last year's leaves. I first noticed it around 1 PM and saw that its wings were not yet fully formed. I checked on it periodically and saw, at around 3 PM, its wings were fully formed and open. It remained that way, in that spot, until around 9 pm. I went out just before 9 and saw, bu flashlight, that it was vibrating its body and wings. Thinking it must be getting ready to fly, I got out my phone, only to find that the battery was too low for the flash to operate. By the time I got back out, just after 9, with my wife's phone, it was gone. Afternoon temps were low 70's, overnight mid 50's
Status: Resident
Verified by: rogerdowner
Verified date: June 05, 2019
Coordinator notes: None.