Antheraea polyphemus

(Cramer, 1776)
Polyphemus Moth

Sort #: 1718 | P #: 890070 | MPG #: 7757 | PFG Page #: 254
View on BugGuide | View on iNaturalist | BOLD Link

Larval feeding type: Feeds externally on leaves
Larval substrate: Trees and shrubs, incl. Acer rubrum* (Red Maple), Salix* (Willow), Fraxinus (Ash), Betula* (Birch), Vitis (Grape), Carya (Hickory), Quercus* (Oak), Pinus (Pine), Morella caroliniensis* (Small Bayberry), Rosa multiflora* (Multiflora Rose)
Phenology: Adult: 5/24 to 9/13 (803 records)

Status in MA (automated assessment): Widespread, very common
Status in N. America: Native
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 1833
Last Year Reported: 2026

Distribution by County: Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket
Number of Records: 1371