Indian Moon Moth (Actias selene)
The Indian moon moth is a Saturniid moth, first described by German entomologist Jacob Hubner in 1807. It is very popular among enthusiasts and collectors.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Saturniidae
- Genus: Actias
- Scientific Name: Actias selene
Description and Identification
Caterpillar
The larvae are apple green, except for the 2nd instar when they appear bright red. They are covered with different-colored hairs all over, yellow on the upper sides, and black on the sides and undersides.
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Pupa
The pupa remain encased in an oval-shaped, pale brown cocoon.
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Adult Moth
Sexual Dimorphism: Present. The females appear duller in coloration than their male counterparts.
Color and Appearance
Forewing: When the wings are open, they are a pale green with a white base and round ocherous spots, one on each side, pink at the center. When the wings are closed, the colors remains unchanged, with one of the two spots visible.
Hindwing: When the wings are open, they are similar in color to the forewing and even have a spot just like them. The wings extend into a long pink tail. When the wings are closed, the patterns and colors are still visible.
Average wingspan: 182 mm
Flight pattern: Erratic
Season: Year-round
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Egg
The eggs, 2mm in length, are white, mottled brown and black.
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Quick Facts
| Other names | Indian luna moth |
| Distribution | Primarily India, Japan, and Nepal, as well as Borneo and Sri Lanka |
| Habitat | Areas with high humidity |
| Lifespan of Adults | 7-10 days |
| Host Plants | Apple, andromeda, banana, cherry, hawthorn, red robin, sweetgum, and willow |
| Adult Diet | Does not feed |
Did You Know
- They have four subspecies – Actias selene selene, Actias selene brevijuxta, Actias selene eberti, and Actias selene taprobanis.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Saturniidae
- Genus: Actias
- Scientific Name: Actias selene
