Polyphemus Moth

Adult Polyphemus moths are large and butterfly-like, ranging is size from 3 15/16 - 5 7/8 inches. Polyphemus moths can be abundant in and near forests, also in parks and suburban areas, orchards, and wetlands. Adults are frequently attracted to lights at night.

Photo credit: John Blair

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  • Alder – Alnus spp

    Basswood – Tilia spp

    Birch – Betula spp

    Blueberry – Vaccinium spp

    Box Elder – Acer negundo

    Cherry (wild) – Prunus spp

    Elm – Ulmus

    Hawthorn – Crataegus spp

    Maple – Acer spp

    Oak – Quercus spp

    Plum (wild) – Prunus spp

    Populus spp

    Sweet crab apple - Malus coronaria

    Willow – Salix spp

  • None that I am aware of

  • The adults do not feed because they have no proboscises.

  • The adults do not feed because they have no proboscises.

  • May-August. Several broods each year, last brood overwinters

  • Butterflies and Moths of North America. Butterfliesandmoths.org

    Brenda Dziedzic, Raising Butterflies in the Garden

    Heather Holm, Pollinators of Native Plants

    National Wildlife Federation. Nwf.org

    Xerces Society. Xerces.org