As an adult the Polyphemus moth does not have functioning mouth parts and it will not feed.
The origin of the genus Antheraea is currently unknown. Polyphemus was a Cyclops from Greek mythology who was blinded by Odysseus.
Polyphemus Moths are found in areas near their host plants such as forested areas, orchards or wetland and urban areas.
Freshly emerged females release their pheromones in the evening to attract nearby males. After mating the females lay their eggs singly or in small groups on the host plant leaves. The larvae feed on the host plant until they are ready to form their cocoon.
In the northern part of their range there is one brood a year. Across most of the central United States Polyphemus have two broods. In the southernmost parts of their range they can have several broods and adults can be found year round.
As a step in the formation of the Polyphemus cocoon a host leaf is wrapped around the cocoon. In the fall those leaves often drop to the ground hiding the cocoon in the leaf litter.
