Time for some insect zen - after all - birds could not exist without insects. Insects are the foundations for life in any healthy terrestrial ecosystem. It is easy for humans to overlook this importance - after all - we grew up to view most insects as pests. But there are plenty of caterpillars that turn into colorful butterflies and moths that marvel us and garner our appreciation. And these caterpillars from which they matured are essential building blocks in our bird-friendly food chains.
The adult form of the Luna Moth is a moth that always delights with its large size and showy appearance. They are not considered rare but because they only live 7-10 days as adults, they are often hard to find in the summer.
Due to their short life as adults, the moth does not have a digestive system. It relies on fat leftover from its caterpillar days and only exists in this stage to mate before perishing.
This moth was photographed in northern Minnesota where birch trees probably hosted its caterpillar stage. In other parts to the country, Beeches, Hickories, Maples, Oaks and Sweetgum are host trees for this beautiful insect.