The Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus)

The polyphemus moth is named for its large eyespots in the lower wings. Its color is mostly tan, but in addition to the bluish-to-black eyespots, most moths have subtle, but striking pink bands on the inside wings. The outside wings look like dry leaves. When disturbed the moth with quickly beat its wings, showing its eyespots, which will scare some predators. The moth has a couple of broods per year.

The caterpillars eat most kinds of oak leaves.

As with all Saturniidae moths, the luna does all its eating in the larva stage. The adult moth has no mouth and cannot eat. It ranges throughout the United States.

Click on any of the thumbnails to get a larger picture.

	These are the Polyphemus eggs. They are round and flat. Although it can't be seen here, there is a dark brown stripe running around the side of the eggs.
The first two above are male and the third one is a female. The coloration of males and females is identical. They can be sexed by looking for the wider antennae of the male and the fatter abdomen of the female.
	To the left is another picture of a female, and to the right is a pair mating. The difference in coloration is mostly due to the camera angle. The tan color does vary, especially in different regions. Some have more red and others are more gray in overall coloration.
		The underside of the polyphemus resembles dried leaves.
	To the left are first instar polyphemus larva and to the right are second instars.
	The orange spiracles are most prominant in the thirs instars (left). Fourth instars get quite large (picture to the right).
This is a 5th instar polyphemus larva. The later instar caterpillars are often mistaken for luna caterpillars and vice-versa.