polyphemus moth rests wood deck

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Polyphemus Moth rests on wood deck Royalty Free Stock Photo

Polyphemus Moth rests on wood deck after being attacked by birds Royalty Free Stock Photo

The Polyphemus moth, is a North American member of the family Saturniidae, the giant silk moths. It is a tan-colored moth, with an average wingspan of 6 in. The most notable feature of the moth is its large, purplish eyespots on its two hindwings. The eyespots give it its name â from the Greek myth of the cyclops Polyphemus. Adults of this family of moths have vestigial mouths, meaning their mouth parts have been reduced. Because of this, they do not eat and only live as adults for less than one week. The pattern on the hindwings of the Polyphemus moth resembles that on the head of the great horned owl. This defense mechanism often results in wing damage to the moth, which does not affect the insect's flight.