Polyphemus Moth

Antheraea polyphemus, the Polyphemus moth, is a North American member of the family Saturniidae, the giant silk moths. It is a tan-colored moth, with an average wingspan of 15 cm (6 in). The most noticeable feature of the moth is the large, purplish eyespot on each hindwing; its name is from the Greek myth of the cyclops Polyphemus. The species, first described by Pieter Cramer in 1776, is widespread in continental North America, with local populations found throughout subarctic Canada and in all of the United States except Arizona and Nevada. Scientific Name: Antheraea polyphemus Range: Across North America Size: Wingspan 10–15 cm Status: Common ID Notes: Tan with dramatic eyespots on each hindwing (yellow with blue iris) — the source of the 'one-eyed giant' name (Polyphemus the Cyclops). Behavior / Notes: Adults flash hindwing eyespots when disturbed to startle predators.