Category: Free Inquiry (Page 2 of 2)

The scientific name of this magnificent large silk moth is Antheraea polyphemus (Cramer). The name originates from Greek Mythology from a giant cyclops named polyphemus who had one big eye in the middle of his forehead. The large eye shapes found on the hind wings are similar to a Cyclops eye, hence the name polyphemus.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/papa_charliegeorge/5782213928

Website information from: Featured Creatures

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

Polyphemus moth – photo by Jessica Milne in Victoria, BC

These moths live in our backyards here in Victoria, yet how many people know about them? A friend of my husband’s came over one day in the late summer of 2009 with a huge, bright green, beautiful caterpillar in a jar, wondering what it was. My husband (an entomologist) didn’t know at the time but was interested, so we kept it. Before the end of the day, the caterpillar had already made itself a cocoon and was gone from sight. Months passed and we forgot it was even there. The following spring, I put the jar with the cocoon in it outside as I thought it was probably dead. To our surprise, a big beautiful moth appeared! I have never seen anything like it before in my life. What was this beautiful creature? So far my husband and I figured out it was a polyphemus moth, but I don’t know much more than this.

This inquiry will reflect what I learn about polyphemus moths and how they are different than other moths and butterflies.  Along with the information I find, I will also explore the polyphemus moth life cycle through drawing and painting and possibly video to further my knowledge of these wondrous creatures.

Polyphemus moth – Photo by Jessica Milne in  Victoria, BC.

Luckily for us we also found a polyphemus caterpillar in Ontario last summer that also created a cocoon for us to watch and wonder about.  See photos below:

Polyphemus caterpillar – Photo by Jessica Milne in Ontario.

Polyphemus Cocoon – Photo by Jessica Milne  in Ontario.