Adult Polyphemus Moth Description


https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Polyphemus_Moth_Top_View.jpg

 

Polyphemus moths adults are giant silk moths that have a wingspan of 10 – 15 cm wide.  As you can see from the photograph, the wings are a variety of earth tones including shades of gray, light brown, reddish brown and yellowish brown.  The upper wings have smaller transparent eyespots, where as the large hind wings have large eyespots outlined with yellow, white and black rings.  It is noted that there can be considerable variation in different specimens, even from the same area.  The underside of the wings can range from pinkish-white to various shades of brown.

The colouring and markings on the polyphemus moth are defense mechanisms which protect it from predators.  The deceptive and blended colouration with startle patterns help the moth to be camouflaged.  The large eyespots, on the polyphemus moth’s hindwings, are a distraction display, which confuses or distracts predators by resembling the head of a great horned owl.

 

Where do polyphemus moths live?

Polyphemus moths live here in Victoria, BC!  They also can be found in other parts of southern Canada all the way down into Mexico.  The only lower states they are not found in are Arizona and Nevada.

 

 

Website information from:

Featured Creatures http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/MISC/MOTHS/polyphemus_moth.htm#dist

Wikipedia  https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antheraea_polyphemus