Today, an image of a local insect went viral and for good measure, as it looked like something straight out of a science fiction movie. This had large green wings, brown shoulders, and large white antenna. Unsurprisingly, Rhode Island residents were pretty shocked by this bug – and in fairness, it’s not your typical creepy crawly either. So, what was it exactly?

It turns out, that this is a Luna Moth. And, as weird as these look, they’re also incredibly rare. However, it makes sense that this was spotted in Rhode Island, seeing as this is their main location. Having said this, there have been sightings as far as Texas, but they mostly inhabit the east coast of America. Still, even though they are local to Rhode Island – the chances of seeing one is very rare – with most people going decades without seeing one in the wild.

While some claim that these are beautiful, if you have a moth phobia then it’s best to avoid them. Although harmless, the Luna Moth can grow up to over 4 inches – meaning they’re pretty big as far as moths are concerned.

Also known as Actias Luna, these moths are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are active during the nighttime and typically rest during the day. Due to their unique appearance and limited lifespan as adults, Luna moths are considered symbols of transformation and renewal in many cultures – so if you do happen to see one, you can count yourself lucky.