Polyphemus Moth

This moth had recently emerged from its cocoon, as one can tell by its position - moths normally sit with their wings rested by their sides, as opposed to folded upright like butterflies. I found it early in the morning, and it had gone by the afternoon. It was likely waiting for the sun to dry its wings so it could fly away. The eastern polyphemus is a giant silk moth of the family Saturniidae, which also contains luna moths and cecropia moths.