Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus)

Polyphemus Moth Antheraea polyphemus On Lupin Flowers.

We see a lot of butterfly activity during the day among the wildflowers and now at night these giant moths sometimes appear. This huge Polyphemus moth landed on a lupin flower and allowed me to take some photographs before returning to the forest. These moths can be easily identified by their large size, tan brown color and distinctive eye spots on the wings. They can be found all over North America nearly all the way up to the arctic. Though widespread I rarely see Polyphemus moths as they are mostly active at night in the forests. It was lucky to find this one in daylight hanging around the front of my house!