Luna Moth Caterpillar

Natural Habitat

Deciduous woodlands and forests, typically found on host trees such as birch, sweetgum, pecan, hickory, and walnut.

Diet & Feeding

Strictly herbivorous. Caterpillars feed on the leaves of a variety of deciduous trees, including birch (Betula), sweetgum (Liquidambar), pecan (Carya illinoinensis), hickory (Carya spp.), and walnut (Juglans spp.).

Behavior Patterns

Luna moth caterpillars are solitary feeders. They go through five instars (stages between molts), growing significantly with each stage. When mature, they spin a papery cocoon, usually in leaf litter on the ground or sometimes attached to a branch, where they pupate. The adult moths are nocturnal and do not feed; their only purpose is reproduction.

Risks & Benefits

Luna moth caterpillars are harmless to humans. While they consume leaves, the impact on host trees is generally negligible for healthy trees and they are not considered agricultural pests. As adults, Luna moths are important pollinators, although they do not have mouthparts for feeding, they can still transfer pollen incidentally. They are also part of the food chain for birds and other predators, contributing to ecological balance.

Identified on: 9/13/2025