Luna Moth vs Walnut Sphinx Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Luna Moth | Walnut Sphinx Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Actias luna | Amorpha juglandis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Saturniidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 80-115 mm wingspan | 50-75 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Detritivores |
| Regions | North America | Eastern North America |
| 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.
Walnut Sphinx Moth
A beautifully cryptic hawk moth with scalloped wing edges and mottled brown, gray, and lavender patterns. It rests among leaf litter where it is nearly impossible to detect.
Did You Know?
The walnut sphinx caterpillar can produce a high-pitched whistle by forcing air through its spiracles, startling birds and other predators.