First, the researchers wanted to see if the wing tails also played a role in sexual selection. When female Luna moths are ready to mate, they perch in one spot and release pheromones.

The luna moth is one of the world’s best-known moths. It has been used in various logos, many an artist has interpreted it and even the most neophyte moth-ers instantly recognize it.

Luna moths live on the leaf energy that the caterpillars stored the previous summer. The adult moths don't eat; they don't have mouths. Their only purpose is to mate, and they only live about a week.

To learn more about moths, including the Luna, celebrate National Moth Week at an evening program on Friday, July 25, at New Jersey Audubon’s Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, 11 Hardscrabble ...

As adults, luna moths lack mouthparts and hence do not eat. Their available energy only lasts about a week, however this is usually more than enough time for them to mate and lay eggs. Females lay ...