Polphemus Moth EGGS
Antheraea polyphemus, known commonly as the Polyphemus Moth, is a large North American species from the Tussar Silkmoth family (Antheraea), well-known due to the striking eyespots on its hindwings. The caterpillars of this species love Oak, but they also do very well on hosts like Birch, Willow, Alder, and multiple others (see below), and grow to a very large size before pupation! Mature caterpillars construct a tough silk cocoon among the leaves of their host or in the corners and sides of the rearing enclosure - interestingly, pale cream-coloured cocoons tend to indicate that the moths will emerge this season; while darker brown cocoons usually emerge the following spring. Very easy to care for in all stages but no less enjoyable, I recommend this species to those of any experience level.
Difficulty - Easy (1/10)
Host plants - Oak; Birch; Willow; Alder; Walnut; Maple; Hawthorn; Plum; Cherry; undoubtedly others
Temperature - Room temp
Lifecycle - Two broods annually with cocoons overwintering
Antheraea polyphemus, known commonly as the Polyphemus Moth, is a large North American species from the Tussar Silkmoth family (Antheraea), well-known due to the striking eyespots on its hindwings. The caterpillars of this species love Oak, but they also do very well on hosts like Birch, Willow, Alder, and multiple others (see below), and grow to a very large size before pupation! Mature caterpillars construct a tough silk cocoon among the leaves of their host or in the corners and sides of the rearing enclosure - interestingly, pale cream-coloured cocoons tend to indicate that the moths will emerge this season; while darker brown cocoons usually emerge the following spring. Very easy to care for in all stages but no less enjoyable, I recommend this species to those of any experience level.
Difficulty - Easy (1/10)
Host plants - Oak; Birch; Willow; Alder; Walnut; Maple; Hawthorn; Plum; Cherry; undoubtedly others
Temperature - Room temp
Lifecycle - Two broods annually with cocoons overwintering
Antheraea polyphemus, known commonly as the Polyphemus Moth, is a large North American species from the Tussar Silkmoth family (Antheraea), well-known due to the striking eyespots on its hindwings. The caterpillars of this species love Oak, but they also do very well on hosts like Birch, Willow, Alder, and multiple others (see below), and grow to a very large size before pupation! Mature caterpillars construct a tough silk cocoon among the leaves of their host or in the corners and sides of the rearing enclosure - interestingly, pale cream-coloured cocoons tend to indicate that the moths will emerge this season; while darker brown cocoons usually emerge the following spring. Very easy to care for in all stages but no less enjoyable, I recommend this species to those of any experience level.
Difficulty - Easy (1/10)
Host plants - Oak; Birch; Willow; Alder; Walnut; Maple; Hawthorn; Plum; Cherry; undoubtedly others
Temperature - Room temp
Lifecycle - Two broods annually with cocoons overwintering