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Project Noah Nature School
Antheraea polyphemus
This one is a male.
Distraction patterns are believed to be a form of mimicry, meant to misdirect predators by markings on the moths' wings. The pattern on the hind wings of the polyphemus moth resembles that on the head of the great horned owl (Bubo virginianus). As an adult they do not eat and live for up to a week. The male will fly miles to find his mate.
Spotted on Mar 25, 2001
Submitted on Nov 8, 2015
2 Comments
Thanks Leuba!
Very handsome moth ! Great pics.