Project Green: Take Seven and.... Camera Critters Sunday

About the Moth

I did some research and found this green beauty is a Luna Moth. It is one of the largest moths found across eastern North America. They are well known for their green-yellow colors and long tails, and although they are often seen in pictures, they are a real surprise when found in nature.
They have wingspans of up to almost five inches; but appear even larger because of long tails on its hindwings. Notice the "eyespots" on the wings which are especially noticeable against the pale green color of the wings. They have large feathery "plumose" antennae that are used by the male to pick up minute traces of pheromones released by the female so he can track her down in complete darkness.
The Luna moth is a wild silk moth. They have declined in numbers since the 1960's due to habitat destruction and increased use of bright vapor lights that disrupt mating.
It is a nocturnal species, and not often seen in the daytime. Their night flying habits and short life span as an adult, only about a week, combine to make them a rare find. The male does not have a mouth and does not eat. He lives for one week for the sole purpose of mating!

About The Picture

I found this moth hanging near the bottom of the outside garage door one morning last week. It was near the base of the door as I was walking by. If you enlarge the photo you can see this one had lost one of its antennae. You can also see by the sunlight that it was way past the time it should have been out flying around. I was sure it would fly before I could get a photo but I zoomed in and got the picture above. After finding it in daylight, researching it and noticing the lost antennae when I enlarged the photo I sadly suspect this little guy was near the end of his one week of life. I'm glad I got to "capture" him though. Since his soul purpose was for mating I think he probably had a fairly nice life considering!!!

I guess too, that for these Luna moths is really isn't easy being green.

For more Project Green participants please visit Anna here.
For more Camera Critters Sunday participants please visit Misty Dawn here.