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 ...

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 also are part of the food web ... have wrapped themselves in a leaf in the tree and formed a cocoon by spinning it closed and securing it with silk.” The pupa are then collected ...

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.

Since that fateful day at the start of summer Holmes has been raising luna moths, gently nurturing them from larva to caterpillar to chrysalis to cocoon before they emerge as vibrantly colored ...