One of the most striking moths in North America, and one most people will never see. Adults live for about a week, fly only at night, and never eat.
Rarely Seen
Pale lime green, about 8 to 11.5 cm across, with one eyespot on each wing.
The long tails on its back wings may help it escape bats.
The front edge of each wing is lined in a thin band of maroon to brown.
Adults only fly after dark, which is why so few people see one.
Spring moths lean blue-green, and summer moths lean yellow-green.
Adults have no working mouth and never eat. They live off energy stored as caterpillars.
Life Cycle
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01 Egg
Laid on leaves of walnut, hickory, and birch. Hatches in about a week.
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02 Caterpillar
Eats and grows for six to seven weeks, shedding its skin five times.
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03 Cocoon
Rests for about two weeks, or all winter in colder places.
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04 Moth
Comes out with wings and lives for only seven to ten days.