Luna Moth vs Scalloped Oak Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Luna Moth | Scalloped Oak Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Actias luna | Crocallis elinguaria |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Saturniidae | Geometridae |
| Size | 80-115 mm wingspan | 37-44 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Underground |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America | Europe, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Luna Moth
A stunning lime-green moth with long trailing hindwing tails. Adults live only about one week. The long tails confuse bat echolocation by creating false echoes.
Did You Know?
The luna moths long tail streamers confuse bat sonar — they spin behind the moth creating acoustic illusions that cause bats to miss their target 47% of the time.
Scalloped Oak Moth
A warm ochre-yellow moth with a distinctive dark brown band across the forewings. It rests with wings pressed tightly together above its body.
Did You Know?
Despite its name, the caterpillar feeds on many tree species beyond just oak.