Look who was hanging out at our house tonight.  It is a Luna moth, Actias luna.  

 

You can see how easy it was to spot her, because she's so big!!  Typical wingspan is about 4 inches.  They have hairy, white bodies, and vestigial mouthparts, as they don't feed.  They only live a week as adults, and get energy from fat stored when in the caterpillar stage.  Their sole purpose as adults is to breed and lay eggs.  Luna moths are not uncommon, but since their adult life is so short, we don't often see them.

 

Luna moth was named by Linnaeus in 1758, after Luna, the Roman goddess of the moon.  

 

It always feels special to see a Luna moth.  I hope you get the chance to see one.  

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!