The Polyphemus moth, Antheraea polyphemus, is a prominent member of the giant silk moth family, Saturniidae. This large moth is easily recognized by its distinctive appearance, featuring a tan to reddish-brown body and wings. Its most striking characteristic is the presence of large, purplish eyespots on its hindwings, which can be up to 15 cm (6 inches) across. These eyespots give the moth its name, derived from the one-eyed giant Polyphemus of Greek mythology.
Geographic Distribution
The Polyphemus moth has a wide geographic distribution across continental North America. It can be found from southern Canada, throughout the United States, and extending into parts of Mexico. This species is notably absent only from Arizona and Nevada in the continental U.S., and Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island in Canada. The moth inhabits diverse climate zones, adapting to the short summers and cold winters of Canada as well as the warm, wet subtropics of Florida.
Preferred Habitats
Within its broad geographic range, the Polyphemus moth thrives in environments that provide necessary resources for its life cycle. These moths are commonly found in deciduous woodlands and forests, as well as open areas such as urban and suburban settings, orchards, parks, and gardens. They also inhabit wetlands, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.
The presence of Polyphemus moths is strongly linked to the availability of suitable host plants for their caterpillars. Caterpillars are polyphagous, meaning they feed on a wide variety of broad-leaved trees and shrubs. Common host plants include oak, maple, birch, willow, elm, hickory, and various fruit trees like cherry and plum. These habitats offer ample foliage for feeding and sheltered locations for pupation.
Life Cycle and Habitat Connection
The Polyphemus moth’s life cycle is intrinsically linked to its habitat. Adult females lay their flattened, light-brown eggs singly or in small groups on the leaves of host plants. Once hatched, the small yellow caterpillars immediately begin to feed on the leaves of their host plant, growing significantly through five molts.
After reaching full size, the caterpillars construct sturdy, oval cocoons, typically made of silk and often wrapped within the leaves of their host plant. These cocoons may remain attached to branches or fall to the ground with the leaf litter, providing a protected environment for pupation. The pupa overwinters inside this cocoon, particularly in northern regions, before emerging as an adult moth in the spring or summer. Adult Polyphemus moths do not possess functional mouthparts and therefore do not feed, existing solely to reproduce during their brief adult lifespan.