




Antheraea polyphemus
The Polyphemus Moth is a lovely moth with large, round eyespots on its wings. It looks like a little owl flying at night!
Habitat: Forests and gardens
The Polyphemus Moth is a large, strikingly beautiful moth, primarily shades of reddish-brown, yellow, and gray. Its most distinctive features are the two prominent, iridescent blue and yellow 'eyespots' on its hindwings, which resemble owl eyes, and its feathery antennae.





Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
33
Adult Polyphemus moths cannot eat at all during their short lives!
The moth's name comes from a mythical giant cyclops with one eye!
Their huge caterpillars can grow to be as big as a hot dog!
They use special chemicals to find mates from miles away.
Polyphemus Moth can flash large, owl-like eyespots on its hindwings to startle predators, giving it time to escape.
Polyphemus Moth has wings patterned like tree bark, helping it blend perfectly with its surroundings during the day.
Polyphemus Moth can release special scents (pheromones) that males can detect from miles away to find a mate.
Polyphemus Moth caterpillars spin a tough, silken cocoon often wrapped in leaves, providing strong protection for pupation.
As adults, they don't eat at all, living off stored energy from their caterpillar stage!
Age differences: Caterpillars are voracious leaf-eaters, but adult moths have no mouthparts and do not feed.
Quercus rubra
Caterpillars feed on its leaves.

Myotis lucifugus
Adult moths are prey for bats.
Sitta carolinensis
Birds may prey on caterpillars or pupae.
Compsilura concinnata
Larvae of this fly can parasitize caterpillars.
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
100-150 mm
30-40 mm
7-14 days
As adults, they don't eat at all, living off stored energy from their caterpillar stage!
Forests and gardens
Foraging
6
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Louisiana, US
You might spot Linnaeus's Two-Toed Sloth and Corn Snake.
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Tennessee, US
You might spot Parachromis Managuensis, Giraffes, and Common Ostrich.
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Louisiana, US
You might spot African Lion, Giraffes, and Equus Africanus Asinus.
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New York, US
You might spot Common Dandelion, Red Deadnettle, and Broad-Leaved Dock.
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Ohio, US
You might spot House Sparrow, American Toad, and Mourning Dove.
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Florida, US
You might spot Tricolored Heron, Roseate Spoonbill, and Wood Stork.
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