The Moth Named for the Moon

1/27/2022 8:40:42 PM
Image: thespruce.com

Do you know?

  • The luna moth (Actias luna) is one of the largest moths belonging exclusively to North America.
  • Luna moths are usually found in and around woodlands where their larval food plants occur.

Let's explore more in the following passage!

Let's learn some new words before you read the passage:

Listen and complete the passage.

spots moths fuzzy pale
visible cocoon caterpillar  


Most we see are very small. They are usually either white or brown. There are many other kinds of moths, but they are rarer. One beautiful type of moth is called the luna moth. “Luna” means moon. Like many moths, luna moths fly at night. In the moonlight, they sometimes have a glowing green color. 

The luna moth is actually a green. It has four spots, one on each wing. These spots sometimes look like eyes. The spots, or “eyes,” are green, brown, and white. The luna moth is very large. It has long, sweeping lower tail wings. Once you have seen a luna moth, you will always recognize another luna moth by the , or eyes, or by the shape of its long tail wings.

The luna moth begins its life as a caterpillar. When it is a caterpillar, it is striped with green and yellow, and it has spines on its back. The eats the leaves of hickory, walnut, sweetgum, and birch trees. Some types of luna moth caterpillars eat poison ivy! When it is time, the caterpillar makes a where it lives until it turns into a moth.

You can tell a moth from a butterfly by looking closely at its antennae. A moth has soft, fuzzy antennae and a body. A butterfly has antennae that look more like thin, dark wire. Moths are more at night. You usually see butterflies during the day.

In the United States, most luna moths live in the eastern part of the country. If you’re lucky enough to live in this area, look into the moonlight at night and see if you can spot a luna moth flying around among the leafy green trees.

Read and answer the following questions.

The Moth Named for the Moon

Luna moth cocoon wrapped in a leaf. Image: infinitespider.com

Most moths we see are very small. They are usually either white or brown. There are many other kinds of moths, but they are rarer. One beautiful type of moth is called the luna moth. “Luna” means moon. Like many moths, luna moths fly at night. In the moonlight, they sometimes have a glowing green color. 

The luna moth is actually a pale green. It has four spots, one on each wing. These spots sometimes look like eyes. The spots, or “eyes,” are green, brown, and white. The luna moth is very large. It has long, sweeping lower tail wings. Once you have seen a luna moth, you will always recognize another luna moth by the spots, or eyes, or by the shape of its long tail wings.

The luna moth begins its life as a caterpillar. When it is a caterpillar, it is striped with green and yellow, and it has spines on its back. The caterpillar eats the leaves of hickory, walnut, sweetgum, and birch trees. Some types of luna moth caterpillars eat poison ivy! When it is time, the caterpillar makes a cocoon where it lives until it turns into a moth.

You can tell a moth from a butterfly by looking closely at its antennae. A moth has soft, fuzzy antennae and a fuzzy body. A butterfly has antennae that look more like thin, dark wire. Moths are more visible at night. You usually see butterflies during the day.

In the United States, most luna moths live in the eastern part of the country. If you’re lucky enough to live in this area, look into the moonlight at night and see if you can spot a luna moth flying around among the leafy green trees.

Source: Reading Comprehension Grade 3

How many spots does a luna moth have?

  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage?

  • The similarity between other moths and luna moths
  • The foods that the luna moth caterpillars eat
  • The way to distinguish between a moth and a butterfly
  • The different types of the habitat of luna moths

What can you know from the fourth paragraph?

  • You only see butterflies during the daytime.
  • It is easier to see moths at night-time.
  • Moths have longer antennae than butterflies.
  • Butterflies are more beautiful than moths.

Why do you always recognize a luna moth after seeing one?

  • Because its appearance has left an impression on you.
  • Because it has colors similar to the moon.
  • Because it only appears in the eastern part of the USA.
  • Because it's the largest and rarest moth of all.

What can be another title for this passage?

  • The luna moth - A unique and beautiful creature
  • Comparison between butterflies and luna moths
  • The luna moth and its external characteristics
  • The luna moth - A native animal in the United States

Build your vocabulary by learning these intensive phrases/idioms

Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first one, using the word in a bracket. You must use between THREE and FIVE words, including the word given. Do not change the word given.

Despite having been working with the new software for hours, I can't understand it. (HEAD / TAIL)

=> I've been working with the new software for hours, but I still can't it.

Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first one, using the word in a bracket. You must use between THREE and FIVE words, including the word given. Do not change the word given.

Her freedom has been limited because she has to take care of her new baby. (WINGS)

=> Having a new baby to take care of has .

When I go to that luxurious restaurant, I will eat _____ beef _____ roast chicken. Both are my favorites.

  • between - and
  • neither - nor
  • either - or
  • whether - or not

Rearrange the words in the correct order to make a complete sentence.

Rearrange the words in the correct order to make a complete sentence.