Luna moth resting on cedar elm, New Braunfels, Texas, United States
© Rolf Nussbaumer/Nature Picture Librar
A leaf insect. Luna moth in New Braunfels, Texas, United States
Featured in today's image is the luna moth, a species whose charm rivals that of butterflies. Also known as the American moon moth, this striking insect—with its lime-green wings and white body—can be found across North America. Its caterpillars are also green and are known for their impressive size, as well as their ability to emit clicking sounds and regurgitate intestinal contents as a defence mechanism against predators.
India boasts an impressive diversity of insects, with moths making up a significant portion of this richness. Globally, an estimated 150,000 to 180,000 moth species have been identified, and around 12,000 of these are found in India—roughly 6 to 8% of the world's known moth species. Yet, despite these impressive numbers, a vast number of species remain unidentified and undescribed.
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