or
giant silkworm moth
Polyphemus moth (Antheraea polyphemus)
Any of some 800
moth species of the principally tropical family Saturniidae. Adults have a stout, hairy body and broad wings, often vividly coloured and patterned. Most species have a central eyespot on each wing. Among the saturniids are the io moth (
Automeris io); the giant cecropia moth (
Hyalophora cecropia), the largest moth native to North America, with a wingspan of 6 in. (15 cm); several species of
Antheraea that are used as a source of commercial silk; the emperor moth (
Saturnia pavonia); and the
luna moth.
Learn more about saturniid moth with a free trial on Britannica.com.
Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
