Polyphemus moth

Antheraea polyphemus is a North American silk moth in Saturniidae. Telea polyphemus is a historical generic combination. [1]

The wings vary from reddish or yellow-brown to grey, even within a locality. Transparent centres lie inside the eyespots; the larger hindwing spots have yellow, black and partial white rings. Pink-edged transverse lines cross the wings. Both sexes have comb-like antennae, broader in males. [1]

The species ranges from southern Canada into Mexico. Within the contiguous United States, the distribution summarized by Hall excludes Arizona and Nevada. [1]

Northern populations generally have one annual generation; two occur farther south. Cocoons may remain attached to twigs, fall with leaves or be spun among ground vegetation. [1]

Larvae feed on a broad range of deciduous plants. Adults have vestigial mouthparts and do not feed. [1]

When attacked in laboratory trials, caterpillars clicked by bringing their serrated mandibles together. Increasing the simulated attack rate increased their signalling. Clicking usually preceded or accompanied regurgitation. [2]

Brown and colleagues tested the defensive fluid on food offered to Formica ants and domestic mice. Both assays showed deterrence. The authors interpreted the clicks as a warning associated with this chemical defence. [2]