Polyphemus Moth: Cyclops of the night sky скачать в хорошем качестве

Polyphemus Moth: Cyclops of the night sky

The Polyphemus moth is a common hairy bodied moth of late spring and summer nights bearing two broods a year in MD. This large moth is a master of mimicry! Their hind wings are dressed with big, fake eyes to make them appear larger to predators and when threatened they will flip forward their front wings to expose the large eyespots as a deterrent. Even their big green caterpillars have an active routine to discourage predators. The larvae will rear back, make clicking sounds and puke on the enemy. That works for mice! Researchers say mice learn it and stay away. But the mice will consume the cocoons of a Polyphemus. Adult moths will spin a woven cocoon on tree twigs, attaching it at both ends, or they may spin it among the leaf litter on the ground. Predators of the twig cocoons are woodpeckers and squirrels. This particular silk moth is easy to rear and has frequently been used to research phenome mate attractants and how they function. The Polyphemus is a widespread species throughout the US & Canada except for Arizona and Nevada. Hopefully you will find one of these ‘cyclops’ on an early morning walk this summer! Joyce Browning Horticulturist, Master Gardener Coordinator Video credit: Bethany Evans Longwood Gardens Professional Gardener Program Alumni; CPH The University of Maryland Extension Home and Garden Information Center's mission is to develop and deliver science-based, sustainable gardening information and solutions through outreach education for better human and environmental health. Send us your plant and pest questions. Our Certified Professional Horticulturists are ready to help! http://extension.umd.edu/learn/ask-ga... Explore our extensive gardening content online. http://extension.umd.edu/hgic