THE  LUNA  MOTH
May's Moon Moth

Originally published in our Winter 2000-2001 edition

For the few special paddlers who can get away to the north country in May there are many special experiences that are not available during the rest of the summer. Oh, sure, everyone knows that 80% of our lake trout are caught in May. And that walleye fishing is by far better in May than in July or August. The wildlife watchers that are the first visitors of the season on some lakes see the most moose. But May and early June also show off one of the most beautiful life forms in the BWCA: the Luna Moth.

They are one of the biggest moths around. Their five inch wing span makes a long sweeping curve to a delicate pointed tail. Their color, one not normally seen in nature, is an indescribably subtle mint green, with maroon and pale yellow highlights. Their furry bodies are yellowish white; males being a little smaller than females. Males have large, feathery antennae.

Unfortunately, not very many paddlers ever see graceful moths. They are only in the adult stage from late May to late June. From cocoon to death spans only one week. During this short time their sole purpose is to mate, and lay eggs. They are nocturnal fliers - sleeping during the day. While resting, they usually cling to a tree with their wings spread, imitating a leaf.

A fascinating fact about these moths is that they do not eat. The truth of the matter is that they can’t eat. They have no mouth or stomach. Their total adult energy supply comes from the birch and aspen leaves it ate as a caterpillar. In fact, that food source was acquired a the previous summer! Eggs are laid during the month of May. The green caterpillars then emerge in late June and early July. They spend the warm part of the summer feeding. Once the first leaves fall in September, they spin silk cocoons on the ground. When all possibility of frost is gone in late May, they emerge to repeat the life cycle and provide a beautiful sight for observant north country visitors.