Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus)

Pricing: Dead (spread, as pictured): Male: $25-$30 & Female: $40 (spread).
Geographic Range: Most of North America
View: Top View Sex: Male Size: Wingspan: 12-15cm

With its prominent eyespot, the Polyphemus moth was named after the Greek Cyclops bearing that name, a one-eyed giant and son to Poseidon and Thoosa. This giant silk moth is quite harmless by comparison. One of the largest moths in the U.S.A., it is an inhabitant of deciduous woodland. It is present all states in the U.S.A. except Alaska, Arizona and Nevada. It can be found in all Canadian provinces except Newfoundland. Antheraea polyphemus also ranges into Mexico where it is present as two separate subspecies: A. polyphemus mexicana and A. polyphemus tuxtlasensis. In North America, there is one brood in the north, flying May to July, and two in the south. Larvae feed on Acer (sycamore, maple), Salix (willow), Alnus (alder), Prunus (cherry,plum,etc.), Crataegus (hawthorn), Quercus (oak), Populus (poplar), Tilia (lime), and many others. The caterpillar is very plump, bright green with yellow banding and has tiny red and silver tubercles.