What Is The Scientific Name Of Polyphemus Moth? (ANSWER)
SCIENTIFIC NAME OF POLYPHEMUS MOTH – In this topic, we are going to know and identify the scientific name of Polyphemus Moth.
It is a North American moth of the giant silk moths family Saturniidae. The moth is tan-colored and has an average wingspan of 15 centimeters or 6 inches.
Its notable feature us its large, purplish eyespots on its two hindwings. It is named after Polyphemus, a cyclops in Greek mythology due to its eyespots.
It is widespread in continental North America, with local populations in subarctic Canada and the United States.
The moth lays flat, light-brown eggs on the leaves of plants, among them include birches, willows, oaks, maples, hickories, and more.
The moth has defense mechanisms to prevent itself from predators, among them include its distraction display that serves to confuse, or simply distract, predators, which involves the Polyphemus eyespots. The eyespots are also used for camouflage.
Scientific Name
The binomial name of Polyphemus Moth is Antheraea polyphemus.
Antheraea is a genus of tussar moths in the giant silk moths family Saturniidae. It is a New Latin term which is possibly derived from the Greek term anthēros, which means ‘brightly colored, brilliant‘
The specific epithet polyphemus, on the other hand, is obviously named after the cyclops Polyphemus.
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