Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea Polyphemus)

There are over 11,000 moth species native to America, a majority are between Southern Canada and Northern Mexico. Polyphemus moths are our most widely distributed large silk moths. Moths live in variety of habitat environments, such as forests, orchards, wetlands & gardens. Moths are nocturnal herbivores.

Service to Ecosystem

1. Pollinators - Flowers which only bloom during the night rely moths and bats to pollinate. Moths get distracted by artificial lights adversely affect the pollination process.
   
   
2. Indicator species - Moths play a vital role in displaying the health of our environment. Monitoring moths give us information on changes in our environment, like, new farming practices, pesticides, air pollution and climate change.
   
   
3. Moths are a food source for insect predators

Fun Facts:

• Moths use the moon for navigation and are believed to be able to fly in a straight line.
• Named after Polyphemus; the giant cyclops from Greek mythology who had a single large, round eye in the middle of his forehead. The name is because of the large spots which look like eyes.