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Project Noah Nature School
Antheraea polyphemus
A large species of moth not uncommon in my area (Northeastern Ohio). These moths have relatively short lifespans, only surviving long enough to create the next generation. The males are attracted to the females via pheromones picked up by their large, feathery appearing antennae. Soon after mating the males die and the females live only long enough to bear eggs. The moth in this photograph is a male based on the antennae.
Jgorneau and I recently learned (together) how to distinguish male from female for this species, because it's a little tougher than other moths--the females do have feathery antennae, but the males antennae have HUGE feathers, like yours. For most other moths, the females have nearly unfeathered antennae--which is why this species can easily confuse folks.
8:)
Thanks Leuba! I have never seen one of these moths in my area so I was fairly excited.
Spotted on Jun 22, 2012
Submitted on Jul 3, 2012
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