The Luna moth is one of the most recognizable moths in the world. When the moth emerges from its cocoon, it bursts forth with fuzzy white legs and folded wings. At first glance, the moth appears ...

The luna moth is one of the world’s best-known moths ... In colder climes like Ohio, the pupae of the last brood over winter in cocoons in leaf litter. Ironically, perhaps, the stunning moth ...

Earlier-season luna broods spend two weeks undergoing a remarkable transformation from caterpillar to moth within the cocoon. On the fateful morning, the moth wriggles free of its cocoon and ...

In the mid-morning hours the Luna Moth will emerge (it is only about an inch long at the time of emergence) from a fragile cocoon spun of its silk around leaves and will climb up a tree to hang ...

Karkos has given some cocoons to others interested in studying luna moths. In return, she was gifted a Monarch caterpillar and is observing that too. “It is quite interesting,” she said.

Luna moths live incredibly short lives, during which they can afford to lose a tail or two. Once they emerge from their cocoons, the moths have about a week to find a mate and reproduce before dying.