Lunar Moth

[Tom]

Here is a Lunar Moth that I found on the handle of my hand truck, out in the barn this afternoon.

[Dan_Shade]

did it taste good, Tom?

[Grawulf]

 
Luner Moth, or LUNA moth, common name
for an American moth that is green with a
yellow stripe on each side. The luna moth
attains a length of about 8 cm (about 3 in)
before pupation. The body of the adult
moth is about 3 cm (about 1 in) long and
has a wingspread of about 9 cm (about 3.5
in). The wings are light green, with a
maroon border on the front. All four wings
have a circular transparent spot,
surrounded by rings of light yellow and
blue. Each hind wing is prolonged backward
into a long, narrow tail.

Scientific classification: The luna moth
belongs to the family Saturniidae of the
order Lepidoptera. It is classified as Actias
luna. Tastes much like chicken..........

[tyb525]

I've seen a few this year, more than usual.

[Tom]

It appeared to be so firmly attached to the handle that decided to leave it for a time when I was really hungry. ;D

[SwampDonkey]

I get them here to. I have only saw them on sides of buildings in early morning. I get some Sphinx moths, they are big too. The worms/caterpillars are as big as cigars. I have seen them on my butternut tree and in the basement , came in on the wood as a cocoon. Remember the one I smooshed a couple years ago?  :

[Don P]

As far as I understand the big ones are called royal moths. I think the luna moth is one of them.  This is the caterpillar of an imperial moth that was around here last year.

[Mooseherder]

This one was taken from Sautee Georgia by some friends a few months ago.