Polyphemus Moth

Deciduous forests, orchards, and urban areas across North America.

Larvae eat leaves from a variety of trees including oak, maple, willow, and birch. Adults have vestigial mouthparts and do not eat.

Nocturnal; adults live only for a few days to a week with the sole purpose of mating. They are known for large eyespots on their hindwings used to startle predators.

Harmless to humans; they are important pollinators (incidentally) and serve as a food source for birds and bats. Larvae are generally not considered major agricultural pests.