Polyphemus Moth (Click image to enlarge) |
Polyphemus Moth Antheraea polyphemus The Polyphemus Moth is one of the largest moths in North America, with a wingspan up to six inches. The large green caterpillars can be found feeding on a variety of tree species during the summer. Northern populations have one generation per year, while those to the south may have two generations per year. The adults do not feed. They can be attracted to lights at night, as the individual pictured above was. Polyphemus Moths are members of the Family Saturniidae, and are also known as Giant Silkworm Moths, so named because of their size and the silken cocoons in which they pupate. |
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