06/23/2026
A male Polyphemus moth that appears to have survived a predator attack got a lift back to a sheltered maple tree here at Berkeley Ridge today.
Did you know?
🪶 Males are identified by their large feathery antennae.
📡 In the right conditions, they can detect female moths from over a mile away.
📏 With wingspans up to 6 inches, they’re among North America’s largest moths.
🐛 Adults don’t eat—they survive entirely on energy stored as caterpillars.
👁️ The large “eyespots” on their wings help startle predators and may provide a chance to escape.
⏳ Adults typically live only 1–2 weeks.