Animal profile

Polyphemus Moth

Antheraea polyphemus

InsectaDeciduous hardwood forests, orchards, urban areas, and wetlands.Least Concern

Field profile

A large North American silk moth, the Polyphemus moth is known for its distinct hindwing eyespots and rapid growth phase. It is a polyphagous species that inhabits diverse environments, including forests and urban areas.

Published field notes

2026-10-04

Polyphemus Moth

Caterpillar consumes 86,000 times its body weight

In the first eight weeks after emergence, the Polyphemus caterpillar exhibits extreme feeding behaviour, consuming a massive volume of plant material relative to its own size.

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