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Polyphemus moth
Antheraea Polyphemus
35.5338, -85.1098
Field Notes
Description:
Giant moth, mostly tan to light brown in color. Almost velvety looking with two bright spots of color reminiscent of eyes on the hindwings and another two spots on the forewings resembling bright jewels. Lines of white and grey/almost blue fringe the outer wings. This moth is truly magnificent to behold, a queen among our winged friends, with a furry body and antennae (the males have thinner antennae). Wingspan 100-150 mm. Unfortunately, as was in our case, you probably won’t get the opportunity to get close enough to photograph unless they are nearing the end of life.
Habitat:
Widespread in North America, southern Canada, excepting Newfoundland. Deciduous forests, orchards, wetlands (some).
Notes:
Adults fly April-May, July-August in Southern United States. In Northern range they fly May-July. Only the larvae feed, adults do not. Larvae are large, bright green with red and silvery spots below setae, yellow lines on abdomen, legs tipped in black.
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