# Polyphemus Moth (*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! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 127 - **Habitat:** Forests and gardens - **Also known as:** Polyphemus Silk Moth ![Polyphemus Moth](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426511/objects/5486.jpg) ## Appearance 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Saturniidae - **Genus:** Antheraea ## Interesting facts - 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. ## Special abilities - **Owl Eye Defense:** Polyphemus Moth can flash large, owl-like eyespots on its hindwings to startle predators, giving it time to escape. - **Master Camouflage:** Polyphemus Moth has wings patterned like tree bark, helping it blend perfectly with its surroundings during the day. - **Pheromone Power:** Polyphemus Moth can release special scents (pheromones) that males can detect from miles away to find a mate. - **Silk Spinner:** Polyphemus Moth caterpillars spin a tough, silken cocoon often wrapped in leaves, providing strong protection for pupation. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 100-150 mm - **Size:** 30-40 mm - **Lifespan:** 7-14 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding 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. - **Primary Foods:** oak leaves, maple leaves, birch leaves, willow leaves, elm leaves - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** Red Oak (*Quercus rubra*) — Caterpillars feed on its leaves. - **Eaten by:** [Little Brown Bat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/little-brown-bat) (*Myotis lucifugus*) — Adult moths are prey for bats. - **Eaten by:** [White-breasted Nuthatch](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-breasted-nuthatch) (*Sitta carolinensis*) — Birds may prey on caterpillars or pupae. - **Parasitizes:** Tachinid Fly (*Compsilura concinnata*) — Larvae of this fly can parasitize caterpillars. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Ancient Lineage](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient-lineage): This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects-and-bugs) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Polyphemus Moth? Compare resting wing shape, forewing markings, antennae and body build. Small brown moths can hinge on fine details a phone photo can't always catch. Moth Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Polyphemus Moth's wingspan? 100-150 mm ### How big is Polyphemus Moth? 30-40 mm ### How long does Polyphemus Moth live? 7-14 days ### What does Polyphemus Moth eat? As adults, they don't eat at all, living off stored energy from their caterpillar stage! ### Where is Polyphemus Moth usually found? Forests and gardens ### How does Polyphemus Moth hunt? Foraging ### How many legs does Polyphemus Moth have? 6 ## Where to spot - [Algonquin Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/algonquin-provincial-park) — Ontario, CA · State Park - [Ames Nowell State Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/ames-nowell-state-park) — Massachusetts, US · State Park - [Arden Park–East Boston Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/arden-park-east-boston-historic-district) — Michigan, US · Historic District - [Berkshire Botanical Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/berkshire-botanical-garden) — Massachusetts, US · Botanical Garden - [Blackstone Boulevard–Cole Avenue–Grotto Avenue Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/blackstone-boulevard-cole-avenue-grotto-avenue-historic-district) — Rhode Island, US · Historic District - [Broadway-Armory Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/broadway-armory-historic-district) — Rhode Island, US · Historic District [View all places to see Polyphemus Moth](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/polyphemus-moth) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Polyphemus Moth: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/polyphemus-moth)