A large tan-and-brown silkmoth with prominent eyespots on the hindwings, named for the Cyclops. Like other silkmoths, adults don't feed — they emerge, mate, lay eggs, and die within a week.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
Antheraea polyphemus, the Polyphemus moth, is a North American member of the family Saturniidae, the giant silk moths. It is a tan-colored moth, with an average wingspan of 15 cm (6 in). The most noticeable feature of the moth is the large, purplish eyespot on each hindwing; its name is from the Greek myth of the cyclops Polyphemus. The species, first described by Pieter Cramer in 1776, is widespread in continental North America, with local populations found throughout subarctic Canada and in all of the United States except Arizona and Nevada.
Source: Wikipedia — Antheraea polyphemus Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Large brown silkmoth with prominent eyespots on hindwings.
Similar species. Cecropia Moth (larger, reddish). Other silkmoths.
Voice. Caterpillars click mandibles.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Adults: do not eat. Caterpillars: variety of native trees.
Behavior. Female pheromones attract males. Adults emerge synchronously.
§ Range
Across North America
§ Habitat
Deciduous and mixed forests, suburban yards
§ Threats
Light pollution, parasitoid flies, forest loss.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the polyphemus moth is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Reduce outdoor lighting near woodlots. Maintain native trees. Support pollinator-friendly landscaping.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Antheraea polyphemus
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Antheraea polyphemus
- iNaturalist · taxon 49305
- IUCN Red List — search for Antheraea polyphemus
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Antheraea polyphemus
§ Sources cited
- Butterflies and Moths of North America
- Xerces Society
- BugGuide
- iNaturalist
