August 3, 2020

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.