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Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus)


Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Polyphemus Moth


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Image Credit: Jenny L. taken in Pensacola, FL
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Image Credit: Jonelle from TN
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Image Credit: Ron F. from British Columbia
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Image Credit: Amy B. from Memphis, TN
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Image Credit: Gina B.H. from Plantation, FL
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Image Credit: Jenny L. taken in Pensacola, FL
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Image Credit: Steve K. from California, MD
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With so many eyespots, it seems obvious that the big Polyphemus Moth is a real looker.



Updated: 08/12/2022; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
This member of the Giant Silk Moth family is large and has a furry, brown body. Each brown forewing has a front border that is gray. The most remarkable feature besides is grand size would be its clear eyespots on the wings. An oval with a yellow ring with a dark center sits on each of the four wings. The hindwings' eyespots seem larger thanks to a black border and blue 'eyeshadow'. If startled, the moth opens and closes its wings, flashing all of its eyespots as a way to disorient a predator. The forewings have a curve along the bottom. A red and pink line crosses each forewing near the head. A black and pink band follows the bottom edge of all the wings, leaving a brown border. Antennae are brown and feathery.

The mammoth moths can be found in parks and deciduous forests in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Like most moths, they are nocturnal and attracted to lights. The caterpillar for this moth is multicolored. Its soft body is covered in thin black, yellow, and white rings. As it matures, it turns all white, retaining tiny black dots while growing four bristly spikes near its head. It eats a variety of plants and pupates on whatever plant it eats from.©InsectIdentification.org


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General Characteristics


Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Flying insect icon
Hairy insect icon
Patterned insect icon


Taxonomic Hierarchy


Species Breakdown
Kingdom: Animalia
  Phylum: Arthropoda
    Class: Insecta
      Order: Lepidoptera
        Family: Saturnidae
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          Genus: Antheraea
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            Species: polyphemus

Identifying Information


Size, Colors, Features
Scientific Name: Antheraea polyphemus
Category: Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 75mm to 95mm (2.95" to 3.74")
Colorwheel Graphic Colors: brown; white; tan; yellow; black; blue; orange; pink; ivory
Descriptors: furry; feather; flying; eyespot


Relative Size Comparison


Typical Size Between 75mm (3.0in) and 95mm (3.7in)
Lo: 75mm
Md: 85mm
Hi: 95mm

Territorial Map*


U.S., Canada, and Mexico
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Canadian territory of Alberta graphic
Canadian territory of British Columbia graphic
Canadian territory of Manitoba graphic
Canadian territory of New Brunswick graphic
Canadian territory of Newfoundland and Labrador graphic
Canadian territory of Ontario graphic
Canadian territory of Quebec graphic
Canadian territory of Saskatchewan graphic
Territory map graphic of the country of Mexico
Contiguous United States shape map layer graphic
Alaska  
Hawaii  
Prince Edward Is.  
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Polyphemus Moth may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Polyphemus Moth. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
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