Butterfly and Moth Collection: Introduction -- Illinois State Museum

ISM System :Butterfly and Moth Collection: Introduction

Moths

Butterfly and Moth Image Gallery : Moths

Antheraea polyphemus (Polyphemus Moth)

Polythemus, in Greek mythology, was the cyclops who confronted Odysseus in the cave. This moth has four eyespots; the two on the hindwings are very large and dramatic. The background color is yellowish-brown and there are bands of soft grey-black on each wing. Wingspan in this species is from 3.9 to 6.8 inches.

Adults are active from May. Females lay eggs on trees, including alder, beech, cherry, hazelnut, hickories, and willows, and on species of the rose. The cocoon of silk hangs from twigs over the winter.

Collection of the Illinois State Museum
Photographed by Dr. Everett Cahsatt
Accession #:

<b>Antheraea polyphemus (Polyphemus Moth)</b>

Butterfly and Moth Image Gallery : Moths

First | Previous | Next | Last