As we were walking out into the garden yesterday, I noticed something brown on the fence.  I thought it was a big brown leaf, so I brushed it off the fence.  It started moving!!!!  It was two Polyphemus moths.  One was old, and a bit the worse for wear, and then there was this one:  perfect!!!  

 

I took their pictures, and when we were done for the day, I looked them up.  Actually, I loaded the picture onto my iPad, then put the Seek app on it and this is what I learned:

 

Its real name is Antheraea polyphemus, a member of the family Saturniidae, the giant silk moths. It is a tan-colored moth, with an average wingspan of 15 cm (6 in.) The most notable feature of the moth is its large, purplish eyespots on its two hind wings.  The eyespots give it its name - from the Greek myth of the Cyclops Polyphemus.  The species is widespread in continental North America…

 

I will tell you this:  it took my breath away.  Thought you’d like to see it too.

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!