22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Luna Moth in Forest Understory

The ghostly green color of the luna moth glows dimly in the temperate forest understory. A spring rain had provided suitable conditions for the moth to emerge from its cocoon. Its two tails unfurled downward, nearly touching the forest floor.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 06.2022
Date Uploaded: 11.2024
Photo Location: Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS M50m2
Copyright: © Christian Perez