Polyphemus Moth

Antheraea polyphemus

June 7, 2002

It's always an occasion when

a polyphemus arrives.  This silk moth

is probably the second largest

moth in CT, right behind the 

Cecropia Moth (which is the largest in North America).  

Being a saturniid, it does not feed

as an adult.  Judging from the thin antennae, this newly emerged moth is a female.  I expect she'll be calling calling in the males once the sun goes down.

Polyphemus Moth cocoon

March 14, 2004

I found this cocoon on the Killingworth Land Trust's Bargate Trail property.  While I see the adult moths regularly in my area, I've only come across the cocoons a handful of times.

Polyphemus larva (transferred from a slide)