luna moth

noun

lu·​na moth ˈlü-nə- How to pronounce luna moth (audio)
: a large mostly pale green American saturniid moth (Actias luna) with long tails on the hind wings

Illustration of luna moth

Illustration of luna moth

Examples of luna moth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The larvae of the magnificent luna moth also take shelter rolled in leaves. Tovah Martin, Washington Post, 30 Oct. 2023 The lime-green luna moth has prominent markings on its wings that greatly resemble eyes. Discover Magazine, 15 Sep. 2014 The life of a luna moth is brief; most live less than one week, just long enough to find a mate and reproduce. Discover Magazine, 15 Sep. 2014 The luna moth is one of the largest moths in North America, with wingspans often reaching almost five inches. Discover Magazine, 15 Sep. 2014 But Stephens said that aspect of the luna moth’s life cycle actually appeals to him. Don Lyman, BostonGlobe.com, 16 June 2022 Animals, including birds, bats, frogs, hornets, and beetles, feed on luna moth caterpillars and adults. Don Lyman, BostonGlobe.com, 16 June 2022 The luna moth doesn’t even have a mouth or digestive system. Liz Langley, National Geographic, 11 Aug. 2020 That had the unintended consequence of killing luna moths as well as other native moths. Ellen Nibali, baltimoresun.com, 22 Aug. 2019

Word History

Etymology

New Latin luna, specific epithet of Actias luna (earlier Phalaena luna), from Latin lūna "moon"; named by linnaeus from the lunate ocellus on the wings — more at lunar

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of luna moth was in 1869

Dictionary Entries Near luna moth

Cite this Entry

“Luna moth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/luna%20moth. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

luna moth

noun
lu·​na moth ˌlü-nə- How to pronounce luna moth (audio)
: a large mostly pale green American moth with long tails on the hind wings

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