Luna moth vs Polyphemus moth
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a Luna moth from a Polyphemus moth, and whether either one bites or stings.
Luna moth
Actias luna
Polyphemus moth
Antheraea polyphemus
≠The key differences
Polyphemus is larger, more brownish and has large round eyespots without the long hindwing tail streamers of the Luna moth.
Luna is pale green with long tail-like hindwing extensions and smaller translucent spots, lacking the Polyphemus eyespot and brown tones.
⚖︎Side by side
| Luna moth | Polyphemus moth | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | Wingspan 90-114 mm (3.5-4.5 inches), body length 30-40 mm | 11-15 cm wingspan |
| Colours | Pale green, Creamy yellow, Brown (wing margins and body markings), Black (eyespot centers and markings) | Reddish brown, Tan, Olive-brown, Sky blue (eyespot center) |
| Family | Saturniidae | Saturniidae |
| Habitat | Deciduous and mixed woodlands, suburban areas, parks and riparian zones where host trees are present | Deciduous woodlands, suburban yards, parks and areas with host trees |
| Range | Eastern North America: from Canada (southern Ontario, Quebec) south to Florida and west to Texas and parts of the Great Plains | Widespread across much of the United States and southern Canada, extending into Mexico |
| Active | Adults nocturnal; typically one to two broods per year depending on latitude (spring-summer to midsummer) | Spring and early summer (one or two broods depending on latitude); adults are nocturnal |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍How to spot a Luna moth
- Pale green wings with translucent eyespots on each wing
- Long, tapering tail streamers on the hindwings
- Powdery, slightly scalloped wing margins and creamy-yellow body
- Males have feathery (bipectinate) antennae; females have thinner, less feathery antennae
🔍How to spot a Polyphemus moth
- Very large wingspan (11-15 cm) with broad, rounded wings
- Distinctive large circular eyespot on each hindwing with a clear center ringed with yellow, blue and black
- Overall reddish-brown to tan coloration with wavy crosslines across wings
- Males with notably feathered antennae; females with thinner antennae
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Luna moth and a Polyphemus moth?
Polyphemus is larger, more brownish and has large round eyespots without the long hindwing tail streamers of the Luna moth. Luna is pale green with long tail-like hindwing extensions and smaller translucent spots, lacking the Polyphemus eyespot and brown tones.
Is a Luna moth or a Polyphemus moth more dangerous?
Luna moth: Non-toxic. Polyphemus moth: Non-toxic. Adults do not bite or sting and are harmless to people. Polyphemus moths do not bite or sting.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.