The Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus) is a North American member of the family of giant silk moths. They are found throughout subarctic Canada and the United States. The species is characterized by the large purple eyespots on the tan hindwings. The eyespots are a distraction display that confuse or distract predators, and they also serve as a startle pattern and used for camouflage. Differentiating between sexes of the Polyphemus Moth is very easy, and the most obvious difference is the plumose antennae; males have a very bushy antennae, and females have less bushy antennae.
The Polyphemus Moth has a total wingspan in the range of 3.9"-5.9” (100-150 mm). The body of the Polyphemus Moth has an overall length between .79”-1.18” (20-30 mm), body width of .16”-.3” (4-7.5 mm), and body height of .31”-.51” (8-13 mm). The typical lifespan of the Polyphemus Moth is between 2-3 months.
The Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus) is a North American member of the family of giant silk moths. They are found throughout subarctic Canada and the United States. The species is characterized by the large purple eyespots on the tan hindwings. The eyespots are a distraction display that confuse or distract predators, and they also serve as a startle pattern and used for camouflage. Differentiating between sexes of the Polyphemus Moth is very easy, and the most obvious difference is the plumose antennae; males have a very bushy antennae, and females have less bushy antennae.
The Polyphemus Moth has a total wingspan in the range of 3.9"-5.9” (100-150 mm). The body of the Polyphemus Moth has an overall length between .79”-1.18” (20-30 mm), body width of .16”-.3” (4-7.5 mm), and body height of .31”-.51” (8-13 mm). The typical lifespan of the Polyphemus Moth is between 2-3 months.