Insect · GBIF taxon 1865660
Indian Moon Moth
Actias seleneAlso known as Indian Luna Moth, Asian Moon Moth
Indian moon moths feature striking pale apple-green wings ending in long, elegant hindwing tails designed to disrupt bat echolocation. Adults lack functional mouthparts, living only a week or two entirely on energy stored during their caterpillar stage. Females release powerful pheromones at night to attract males from miles away using their large, feathered antennae.
NocturnalLarge MothSilk Producer
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Walnut Leaves
- Apple Leaves
- Rhododendron Leaves
Predators
- Bats
- Birds
- Spiders
ThreatsHabitat loss, heavy pesticide usage, and light pollution
HabitatsTropical and subtropical forests, river valleys, and mixed woodlands
Life span7–12 days as adult; 2–3 months total lifecycle
Classification
- FamilySaturniidae
- SpeciesActias selene
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Light Trapping: Observe adults near outdoor lights or nocturnal light traps in late spring and summer.
- Gentle Handling: Avoid touching the delicate wings directly as protective scales easily rub off.
Close Relative "Lovely luna moth at the Neosho National Fish Hatchery" by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Midwest Region is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Image unavailableClose Relative Family Member 
Family Member "Live Canvas - Atlas Moth" by vipin baliga is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
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