Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus)

This silkmoth was in my back yard, no doubt looking for a mate. They mate on the same day that they emerge from their cocoon, never eat as a moth, and expire shortly thereafter. This giant silkmoth gets its name from the large eyespots on its hindwings, referring to Polyphemus, the Cyclops of Greek mythology, who captured (and was eventually blinded by) Odysseus in Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey.