Photo by Bill Reynolds
Polyphemus moth (Antheraea polyphemus) is a common, extra large, giant silkworm moth. With a wingspan of 4″ to 6″ it is one of the two largest moths native to North America. The caterpillar either descends to the ground and spins a cocoon in leaf litter or spins a cocoon in a rolled leaf of the host plant which falls to the ground at the end of the season. The adult is short-lived, lasting only 4 days.