luna moth

or Luna moth

noun

1. a large, pale-green, American moth, Actias luna, having purple-brown markings, lunate spots, and long tails.

luna moth

noun

1. a large American saturniid moth, Tropaea (or Actias ) luna, having light green wings with a yellow crescent-shaped marking on each forewing

Word History and Origins

Origin of luna moth¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Word History and Origins

Origin of luna moth¹

C19: so named from the markings on its wings

Example Sentences

Her videos are likewise full of morphing and empathic imagery, like a luna moth hatching from a ponytail.

From New York Times

“One night, I had nine luna moths on the sheet,” she said.

From Washington Post

Maltbie lingered with the clubs, however, and emerged looking like a “chrome luna moth,” with irons down his pant legs, down the back of his shirt and along his arms.

From Golf Digest

With its tail, assuming it has one, the luna moth can frustrate a bat’s ability to use echolocation to hunt.

From New York Times

The green wings of the luna moth, with their elegant, long tails, aren’t just about style.

From Science Magazine