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Polyphemus Moth

Posted by June 26th, 2005 at 12:00 am

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Giant Silk Moths

moth identity
Found this beautiful & large moth in my backyard last night, the second one in as many weeks, much to my kids joy. I’m pretty sure it’s a hawk-eyed moth, but would like confirmation. Also any links for more info, such as what the larva is consuming. Cheers!
Greg,
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

polyphemus greg Polyphemus Moth

Hi Greg,
Your moth is not a Hawkmoth, but a Polyphemus Moth, Antheraea polyphemus, one of the Giant Silkworms in the Family Saturniidae. The large caterpillars eat leaves from alder, basswood, birch, chestnut, elm, hickory, maple, poplar sycamore, and oak as well as other hardwood trees.

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