Post by trehopr1 on Sept 18, 2019 9:20:36 GMT
The Polyphemus moth (Antheraea polyphemus) is one of North America's most common and widespread species of giant silkmoth (Saturniidae). Yet, despite having this moniker a surprising amount of variation occurs within this species and its populations.
Different food sources for example produce individuals with varying shades of brown; ranging from light tan to reddish cinnamon to a dark brown. The amount of "pink" highlighting also varies in its amount as well as in its intensity. Even the tiny windows of the forewings vary in being round or somewhat "compressed" at the sides.
It really is quite a lovely species in its own right !
So, I therefore provide a glimpse of a couple of my more "unique" individuals I've run across over the years...
Different food sources for example produce individuals with varying shades of brown; ranging from light tan to reddish cinnamon to a dark brown. The amount of "pink" highlighting also varies in its amount as well as in its intensity. Even the tiny windows of the forewings vary in being round or somewhat "compressed" at the sides.
It really is quite a lovely species in its own right !
So, I therefore provide a glimpse of a couple of my more "unique" individuals I've run across over the years...
