I have been
lucky to have seen three Luna moths during the daytime in the past few months.
All three were newly emerged - two were clutching the rough bark at the base of
a tree, and one was gently swaying on a wide leaf of grass. All were warming
themselves in the afternoon sun, drying their wings, and waiting for evening
and their first mating flight. Each sighting caused me to stop and take in the
wonder of these mystical creatures.
Although
Luna moths are common, they are not seen often, and very rarely during the day.
In this
area, the Luna moth life cycle takes almost a year to complete. Eggs are laid
early to mid-summer after mating takes place. The eggs hatch into lightly
colored green caterpillars. During the larval stage, which lasts about two
months, the caterpillar feeds on tree leaves and goes through five molts. After
this last molt, the larvae falls from the tree to the ground and then spins its
cocoon, normally wrapping itself up in a fallen leaf. This pupal stage lasts
for nine months. In the late spring or early summer of the following year, the
Luna moth emerges from its cocoon.
After
emerging from their cocoon, they sun themselves and let their wings dry off and
expand. In the evening, the moths will fly off to mate. During the day, when
they are inactive, they hide in trees and leafy brush. With their lightly
colored green wings outlined in tan, they blend in very well with leaves and
twigs, camouflaged from natural predators and even our searching eyes. Shortly after
mating, the female lays her fertilized eggs and the cycle starts over again.
The moth, or
adult stage, only lasts up to ten days.
It’s amazing that it takes 11 months to develop into an adult but then
only has a little more than a week to “spread its wings”.
Having such
a short adult life span, and because they are only active at night, it is a
wonder to see a Luna moth at all, let alone during the day.
Due to its
beauty, life cycle, and the few opportunities to observe it, the Luna moth is considered
mystical. Spiritually, the Luna moth signifies fertility, transformation,
optimism, and personal growth, and because of its very brief adult lifetime, serves
as an expression to live our lives as fully as we can.
Having seen
three in such a short period of time, I believe that the universe is telling me
something. In my case, I believe these sightings are signifying transformation,
or change, and are positive signs as I navigate through some uncertainties in
my life. The moths seem like signposts telling me that I am where I need to be
and that everything is what it’s supposed to be. The universe is talking, and I’m
listening.
