Making Sense of Barely-There Scents
A male luna moth’s feathery antennae can “smell” a female’s pheromones (fair-uh-moans) from several miles away.
What Big Eyes You Have!
A luna moth’s wing spots look like large, angry eyes. When a luna unfolds its wings, the eyespots show, scaring away would-be predators.
Bat-Baffling Tails
A luna’s dangly tails confuse hungry bats, knocking their attacks off target. A bat may chomp off a mouthful of moth tail — ouch! — but the luna survives.
Love is in the Air
To attract a boyfriend, female moths release pheromones. These airborne chemicals are like perfumes that male moths can’t resist.
Chubby Green Eating Machine
A luna caterpillar eats hickory, walnut, and persimmon leaves nearly nonstop for two months. When it turns into an adult, it can’t eat and lives for only a week.
Also In This Issue
Nature puts on a concert every spring, and you don’t need tickets to attend.
Hungry fish can’t resist these tried-and-true lures.
And More...
This Issue's Staff
Photographer – Noppadol Paothong
Photographer – David Stonner
Designer – Marci Porter
Art Director – Ben Nickelson
Editor – Matt Seek
Subscriptions – Marcia Hale
Magazine Manager – Stephanie Thurber