Polyphemus Caterpillar

Polyphemus caterpillars are much rarer then most caterpillars I've seen. Polyphemus moths are large green fur-less caterpillars. I have only seen them on beech trees, but i hear they also snack on other native trees such as oak. both the caterpillar and moth are the largest I've dealt with. They have prickles on their feet, so when they walk, it tickled. Its an adaptation they have. Whats also cool, is they're green for a good reason- camouflage. When i found one of mine on my beech tree, he was pretty well hidden with the big round leaves. Polyphemus moths hatch in the summer. They eat through the fall and overwinter in the pupal stage. They are then supposed to erupt from their pupa in spring.
I have raised 2 of this species
Rarty- Rare
Season- Summer-Winter- Moth in Spring
Pupates in October- Moth erupts in April
Up to 2.5 inches long
Native- Yes
Not Poisonous
Damagae Potential LowCategory:Nature
Category:Caterpillars