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Polyphemus Moth

What is polyphemus moth?

· Emily Grant

Key facts

Scientific name Antheraea polyphemus[2]
Family Saturniidae[2]
Wingspan 3½–5½ inches[2]
Range southern Canada, Mexico, and the lower 48 states except Arizona and Nevada[1]
Adult feeding adult does not feed[1]

The polyphemus moth is a North American giant silk moth, *Antheraea polyphemus*, in the family Saturniidae, known for its large tan wings and prominent eyespots.

Context

The polyphemus moth is a North American giant silk moth with a wingspan of 3½ to 5½ inches [2]. Its tan to brown wings feature prominent eyespots on the hindwings [2]. The species ranges from southern Canada through Mexico and the lower 48 states, except Arizona and Nevada [1]. Adults do not feed and live only a few days [1].

Documented claims

  • The polyphemus moth is a species of giant silk moth in the family Saturniidae. [2]
  • It has large tan to brown wings with prominent eyespots on the hindwings. [2]
  • Adults live a maximum of 4 days. [3]

Related

Cecropia MothCecropia moth is another large North American silk moth species often compared with the polyphemus moth.Atlas MothAtlas moth is a large saturniid moth that readers may want to compare in size and appearance.

Questions and answers

Is the Polyphemus moth rare?

The polyphemus moth is not generally considered rare; it is widespread across North America, though its abundance can vary locally [1].

Are polyphemus moths in Canada?

Yes, polyphemus moths are found in southern Canada [1].

What does it mean when you see a Polyphemus moth?

Seeing a polyphemus moth is a natural encounter with a native silk moth; it has no specific symbolic meaning in scientific sources [2].

Can I touch a Polyphemus moth?

You can touch a polyphemus moth gently, but avoid damaging its wings; adults are harmless and do not feed [1].

Sources

  1. Polyphemus Moth — mdc.mo.gov (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. EENY-531/IN945: Polyphemus Moth Antheraea ... - Ask IFAS — ask.ifas.ufl.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. polyphemus moth - Illinois Department of Natural Resources — dnr.illinois.gov (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Nature