Photo by George Seiffert

Luna Moth

The luna moth is a large and dramatic moth of North America. It has pale green wings with multi-colored eyespots, and a dark maroon stripe along the leading edge of its upper wings. The wings themselves are usually about 4-5" across, but can be up to 7 inches! The bottom of the lower wings extends out in a flamboyant tail on each side. The caterpillars are large and dramatic too, reaching up to 3.5" in length with thick green bodies.

Like other large North American moths, luna moths emerge from their cocoon without functioning mouthparts, and live to find a mate within their approximately 10-day lifespan.

What do you love about this particular creature?
What do they reveal to you about God and our faith?

When I was 11, I found a dead luna moth in the branches of a hedge. I was waiting in line with my family to ride the local miniature train. It was a typical summer day, and I had nothing on my mind except how loud I was going to yell when we went through the ride’s tunnel. The next moment, I looked down at my side and saw a creature that I couldn’t have possibly imagined existed, sitting motionless in the hedge, and I think I was forever changed.

The name “Luna Moth” fits the queenly drama of this species. They look like they don’t belong to my ecosystem of dense forest, sunny meadows, grey bedrock, and brown waterways. And yet- here they are, even if only for 10 days a year. Like many things, the real trick is to be present in such a way that you see them when they’re here.

Author - Linden Rayton

Linden Rayton is a naturalist, Episcopalian, and owner of Living Water Nature Programs. She lives in central New Hampshire with her family in a small, semi-rural town along a floodplain of the Contoocook River.

Dear Lord, help us keep watch even while standing among the hedges; that we may fully use our bodies and minds to appreciate your world around us. Amen.