: a large mostly pale green American saturniid moth (Actias luna) with long tails on the hind wings
Illustration of luna moth
Examples of luna moth in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
The researchers tested the new system first in the lab by recording rotating fans and overlaying the echo signals onto the images, before doing similar tests in the lab with luna moths.—IEEE Spectrum, 28 Jan. 2025 Small summer blooms attract butterflies and luna moths, while late season berries are favored by robins, flickers, and grouse.—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025 The larvae of the magnificent luna moth also take shelter rolled in leaves.—Tovah Martin, Washington Post, 30 Oct. 2023 The lime-green luna moth has prominent markings on its wings that greatly resemble eyes.—Discover Magazine, 15 Sep. 2014 The life of a luna moth is brief; most live less than one week, just long enough to find a mate and reproduce.—Discover Magazine, 15 Sep. 2014 The luna moth is one of the largest moths in North America, with wingspans often reaching almost five inches.—Discover Magazine, 15 Sep. 2014 But Stephens said that aspect of the luna moth’s life cycle actually appeals to him.—Don Lyman, BostonGlobe.com, 16 June 2022 Animals, including birds, bats, frogs, hornets, and beetles, feed on luna moth caterpillars and adults.—Don Lyman, BostonGlobe.com, 16 June 2022
Word History
Etymology
New Latin luna, specific epithet of Actias luna (earlier Phalaena luna), from Latin lūna "moon"; named by linnaeus from the lunate ocellus on the wings — more at lunar
Share