Polyphemus moth

American  

[pol-uh-fee-muhs mawth, moth] / ˌpɒl əˈfi məs ˈmɔθ, ˈmɒθ /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of Polyphemus moth

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

Example Sentences

It is closely allied to the Polyphemus moth, and its caterpillar also feeds on the oak.

From Our Common Insects A Popular Account of the Insects of Our Fields, Forests, Gardens and Houses by Packard, A. S. (Alpheus Spring)