Luna moth caterpillar

Deciduous forests, woodland edges, gardens, and shrublands across eastern North America. Larvae feed on trees such as walnut, hickory, birch, and persimmon.

The caterpillar chews leaves from several hardwood species. Adults do not feed; they rely on stored energy and live only about a week.

Solitary and mostly foliage-dwelling, with a green body, yellow stripes, and sparse spines. When mature, it leaves the host plant to spin a cocoon among leaf litter; adults are nocturnal.

Harmless to people and plants at ordinary densities; its spines do not deliver a significant sting. It is an important food source for predators and contributes to forest nutrient cycling.