Spotted a large, spring-generation Luna moth (Actias luna) on the house today.  They fly at night and only live about one week as adults so they are not so easy to find!

Luna Moth (Actias luna), spring generation

Luna moth upper left side, window frame is 33″ across edge-to-edge

Luna moth caterpillar, Photo credit http://www.clemson.edu

Here in the Ohio River Valley region, Luna Moths breed two generations per year.  They have a 4″-5″ wingspan, typically live in forests and are part of the giant silkworm moth family.  The caterpillars prefer to eat butternut, hickory and walnut leaves and are not considered as garden pests.

Luckily, our property here is heavy with old-growth woods and many Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) trees to home and harbor this beautiful species.