Polyphemus moth

[ pol-uh-fee-muhs mawth, moth ]

noun

1. a yellowish-brown North American giant silkworm moth, Antheraea polyphemus, having a prominent purplish eyespot on each hindwing and feeding on a wide variety of trees and other vegetation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Polyphemus moth¹

First recorded in 1840–45; named after the mythological character Polyphemus ( def )

Example Sentences

"Good-evening," said a third voice near them, and another Polyphemus Moth with feathery feelers alighted on the screen.

From Project Gutenberg

There fluttered toward her another Polyphemus Moth, a handsome fellow, marked exactly as she was, only with darker coloring.

From Project Gutenberg

The polyphemus moth, for example, has been experimented with a great deal.

From Project Gutenberg