A couple of days ago, I spotted a very large moth in the hoophouse. It was apparently nocturnal, and seemed to be sleeping. When I went out a little later to photograph it, I found it resting on the side of the hoophouse, with its wings spread and the light shining through them. This made for a very good opportunity for pictures since I had all the time I needed, and… mostly enough light.
The moth in the hoophouse. I think it may be an antheraea polyphemus moth, or at least something closely related. It doesn’t seem to even have a common name (at least, I haven’t found one, it seems to just be referred to as ‘polyphemus moth’) but the subfamily it is in has a common name: silk moth.
I returned at dusk to make sure it was able to find its way out of the hoophouse, and it became even more clear that it was nocturnal.
A close up of one of the markings on the wingClose up of another marking on the wing. This one seems to be an actual gap in the scales on the wing; just a clear membrane with light shining through it.The moth’s face and antennae.Close up of the tip of the wingClose up of one of the antennae.Close up of another wing marking. This one is partially covered by the upper wing, but it has another of those gaps in the scales in the center of it (which I saw from the other side of the wing when the moth was in a different position).Extreme close up of the scales on the tip of the wing
4 thoughts on “A fascinating Silk Moth (Antheraea Polyphemus)”
Odd to consider scales on a moth.
And the antennae look like feathers.
Right?
So many stunning creatures that are often overlooked and under appreciated. That’s why the world needs people like you-
To shine your light on them for the rest of us💛
Thanks! It was definitely interesting to examine the moth super closely like that. The antennae were certainly feather-like, but the midrib looked like a spine! And then there were those spots, that turned out to be gaps in the scales…
You are a phenomenal photographer!❤
I never thought that I would ever see beauty in a moth. I will forever look at these insects differently…. with the same admiration that I give butterflies…. Thank you😊
Wow, thanks! There are some pretty amazing moths out there!
Odd to consider scales on a moth.
And the antennae look like feathers.
Right?
So many stunning creatures that are often overlooked and under appreciated. That’s why the world needs people like you-
To shine your light on them for the rest of us💛
Thanks! It was definitely interesting to examine the moth super closely like that. The antennae were certainly feather-like, but the midrib looked like a spine! And then there were those spots, that turned out to be gaps in the scales…
You are a phenomenal photographer!❤
I never thought that I would ever see beauty in a moth. I will forever look at these insects differently…. with the same admiration that I give butterflies…. Thank you😊
Wow, thanks! There are some pretty amazing moths out there!