The caterpillar is an almost fluorescent lime green. It has vertical yellow lines passing down its body. The head is brown, and it has impressive mouth parts.
The cocoon is oval, has a tough outer layer of silk, and is usually wrapped in the leaves of the plant or tree on which the caterpillar was feeding. The cocoon falls to the ground when the host plant or tree sheds its leaves in the fall.
The moth emerges from the cocoon in the spring and is a large, beautiful member of the giant silkworm family. It is seen in the Skiatook, OK area from April through August. It has an average wingspan of 6 inches. Its overall coloring is reddish-brown. It has a large eyespot, surrounded by yellow and blue rings, on each hindwing. A small eyespot is seen on each forewing.
The name polyphemus comes from Greek mythology. Polyphemus was a one-eyed cyclops in Homer’s Odyssey, first appearing in the 9th book as a man-eating giant. He was the son of Poseidon, god of the sea. The moth was named polyphemus because of the large eyespot on each hindwing.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Polyphemus Moth
What is the scientific name of the Polyphemus moth?
The scientific name of the Polyphemus moth is Antheraea polyphemus.
Where can Polyphemus moths be found?
Polyphemus moths are widely distributed across North America, found in all continental U.S. states except Arizona and Nevada, as well as in southern Canada and northern Mexico. They inhabit various environments, including deciduous hardwood forests, urban areas, orchards, and wetlands[1][2][4].
What do Polyphemus moths look like?
Adult Polyphemus moths are large, with a wingspan ranging from 10 to 15 cm (approximately 4 to 6 inches). Their forewings are typically brown or tan, while their hindwings feature prominent yellow “eyespots” outlined in blue and black[3][5]. The caterpillars are bright green with reddish-brown heads and can grow up to 7.5 cm (about 3 inches) long[2][3].
What is the life cycle of the Polyphemus moth?
The life cycle of the Polyphemus moth includes several stages:
- Eggs: Laid on host plants, they hatch into caterpillars after about 10 days.
- Caterpillar (Larvae): They undergo five molts over 5 to 6 weeks, growing significantly during this time.
- Pupa: The caterpillars spin cocoons out of silk and can overwinter as pupae.
- Adult: After emerging from the cocoon, adults live for about 7 to 15 days, primarily focusing on mating[2][3][8].
What do Polyphemus moths eat?
As caterpillars, Polyphemus moths feed on a variety of trees and shrubs, including oak, birch, maple, and hickory. Adult moths do not eat; they have vestigial mouthparts and rely on stored energy from their larval stage[3][4][8].
Are Polyphemus moths dangerous?
No, Polyphemus moths are not dangerous. They do not sting or bite. However, it is advisable not to handle them due to their delicate nature[3][5].
What role do Polyphemus moths play in the ecosystem?
Polyphemus moths serve several ecological roles:
- As herbivores, their caterpillars contribute to nutrient cycling by consuming large amounts of foliage.
- They act as prey for various predators, including birds and mammals.
- Adult moths can also assist in pollination[2][8][9].
How do Polyphemus moths defend themselves from predators?
Polyphemus moths have evolved several defense mechanisms:
- Their caterpillars’ green coloration helps them blend into foliage.
- The large eyespots on their hindwings may deter predators by mimicking the eyes of larger animals[2][5][7].
What is the conservation status of the Polyphemus moth?
The Polyphemus moth is generally considered secure across its range. However, some local populations may face threats from habitat loss and introduced parasitic species[4][5].
Sources
[1] Antheraea polyphemus — “Polyphemus moth” – breeding butterflies https://breedingbutterflies.com/antheraea-polyphemus-polyphemus-moth/
[2] Antheraea polyphemus: INFORMATION – Animal Diversity Web https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Antheraea_polyphemus/
[3] Polyphemus moth (Antheraea polyphemus) – Our Wild Yard https://ourwildyard.com/polyphemus-moth-antheraea-polyphemus/
[4] Polyphemus moth Antheraea polyphemus (Cramer, 1776) https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Antheraea-polyphemus
[5] polyphemus moth – Antheraea polyphemus (Cramer) https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/MISC/MOTHS/polyphemus_moth.htm
[6] Polyphemus Moth | Vermont Atlas of Life https://val.vtecostudies.org/missions/cocoon-watch/polyphemus-moth/
[7] Urban Field Guide: Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus) https://projectphoebe.com/?page_id=547
[8] Polyphemus Moth | Missouri Department of Conservation https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/polyphemus-moth
[9] Polyphemus Moth – Montana Field Guide https://fieldguide.mt.gov/speciesDetail.aspx?elcode=IILEW0S010
