Why Luna Moths Are The Best
Posted: Aug 18, 1999
Okay, so if you’ve been on my site for more than five seconds, you know I’m obsessed with Luna moths. I mean, look at them. They’re like the final boss of moths, but also super chill. The first time I saw one in real life, I legit thought I was dreaming. The wings are this wild minty green and they have these long tails that look like ribbons. If you ever see one, you’ll get why I talk about them so much.
Luna moths don’t even bother with eating once they’re adults. Seriously, they don’t have mouths. They spend their whole caterpillar life munching leaves, then when they finally get wings, it’s just about finding a mate and looking awesome. That’s it. I kinda respect that. Like, imagine if your whole job was just to be beautiful and mysterious for a week.
Every summer, I go out with my digital camera (the one with the scratched lens, lol) and hope I’ll spot a Luna moth. Sometimes I get lucky and see one chilling on the screen door or fluttering around the porch light. Most of my pics are blurry, but you can still see those huge wings. I’ve got a folder called “Luna Sightings” and it’s basically my pride and joy.
Here’s a weird fact: Luna moths glow under blacklight. I tried it once with my old UV flashlight and it actually worked. Their wings have scales that reflect the light in this ghostly way. It’s kind of magical and also a little creepy, but in a good way.
Luna moths are also super rare. You might go years without seeing one, depending on where you live. They only come out for a short time in late spring and early summer. If you spot one, you’re basically in the secret moth club. I always text NeoMoth89 when I get a sighting, and she freaks out every time.
The caterpillars are bright green and kind of chunky. They eat hickory, walnut, and sweetgum leaves. I found one once on a tree in my backyard and watched it for like an hour. When they’re ready, they spin a cocoon and just disappear for weeks. Then, boom, Luna moth.
Another thing: Luna moths are totally harmless. They don’t bite, sting, or mess with your stuff. They just float around like little green ghosts. Bees are cool, but Luna moths are like the gentle spirits of the night.
I’ve read that some cultures think Luna moths are symbols of transformation and new beginnings. I get that. They go through this wild change and then show up for a week, looking unreal. It’s kind of inspiring, honestly.
If you ever get a chance to see a Luna moth, take a picture! Even if it’s blurry. Post it on the imageboard and I’ll probably lose my mind. Luna moths are the best, and I’ll fight anyone who says otherwise (just kidding, but not really).
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