Most of the 41 Actias species currently recognized occur in East Asia. Only two of them in North America and Mexico. In general all members of the genus are quite large and colorful and referred to as moon or lunar moths. The tails on the hind wings can be short or long, but are present in all the species. The Actias genus is closely related to the European Graellsia and the African Argema genera.

Rearing of many of these species (not all) is easy. Check carefully the food plant though, some need pines, some Liquidambar, some are more polyphage. Just check before buying.