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Photo#106939
Polyphemus Moth - Antheraea polyphemus

Polyphemus Moth - Antheraea polyphemus
West Harrison, Dearborn County, Indiana, USA
April 28, 2007
Size: 2.5" long, 1.5" wide
We found this creature hooked on my husband's pant leg. He appears to be some kind of moth, but had such tiny wings, we wondered if he had come out of his cocoon too early.

Images of this individual: tag all
Polyphemus Moth - Antheraea polyphemus Antheraea polyphemus

Polyphemus Moth
This is a Polyphemus moth, Antheraea polyphemus, that has just eclosed and is spreading its wings. Nice image.

 
Moth
His wings looked so small...but this is normal? They'll spread out and be the right size for his fat little body? Thanks for your help! I've been very curious.

 
Yes
Those wings will spread out quite a bit. It's fascinating to watch. You can view a great photo series here of another recently eclosed Polyphemus as its wings expand.

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