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Polyphemus Moth caterpillar

Antheraea polyphemus

Photo by Mandy Hollman
Published on Project Noah
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33.791, -84.3238

Field Notes

Description:

4th instar (5th is cocoon phase). A large, stout, bright green caterpillar.

Habitat:

Found a tree trunk on the quad at Emory campus.

Notes:

I couldn't resist taking this beauty home to watch its metamorphosis. It will spin its cocoon, hibernate, and emerge in the spring.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (4)
TKBotting
Very cool. I've only seen one in the last four years (not for lack of trying). I did get a couple of pics last time I did see one: first instar: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/13311131 The group i was with was hesitant to give 100% on ID, but I think it's right.
Mandy Hollman
Yep, it's been doing its job as a caterpillar - eating and more eating!

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Moths of the World
Mission
Butterflies and Moths of Southeast USA
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Caterpillars of the Southeastern USA
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National Geographic's Great Nature Project
Mission
Arthropods of Georgia
Photographed
PublishedSeptember 25, 2013

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