Japanese Luna Moth vs Pale Tussock

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Luna Moth Pale Tussock
Scientific Name Actias gnoma Calliteara pudibunda
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Saturniidae Erebidae
Size 80-110 mm wingspan 40-65 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Underground
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions East Asia, Japan Europe, western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Japanese Luna Moth

A smaller Japanese moon moth known as 'o-mizuao-ga,' with elegant pale green wings and long tail streamers. Found in mountain forests of Japan, appearing in early summer.

💡

Did You Know?

The delicate trailing tails on the hindwings spin in flight, creating acoustic confusion that diverts echolocating bats away from the moth's vital body.

Pale Tussock

A fluffy grey-white moth with distinctively feathered legs held forward at rest. Its caterpillar is spectacular, with dense yellow or green hair tufts and a red tail tuft.

💡

Did You Know?

The caterpillar's bright hair tufts are irritating to skin and were once used in practical jokes.