Polyphemus Moth

Deciduous hardwood forests, urban and suburban parks, orchards, and wetlands across North America.

Adults have vestigial mouthparts and do not eat during their short lifespan; larvae (caterpillars) feed on foliage from trees like oak, birch, maple, willow, and plum.

Strictly nocturnal and strongly attracted to artificial lights; adults live for only 3 to 7 days purely to mate and lay eggs. When threatened, they expose large, owl-like hindwing eyespots to startle predators.

Harmless to humans as adults do not bite or sting; caterpillars can cause mild defoliation on host trees but rarely cause significant damage, making them beneficial native pollinators and food for wildlife.