Dictionary

Polyphemus caterpillar en · NOUN

Etymology

Polyphemus + caterpillar, by analogy with the Polyphemus moth.

Meanings

1. A large, green saturniid caterpillar with a red head; the larval form of the Polyphemus moth (Antheraea polyphemus).
   • Polyphemus caterpillars feed on a variety of leaves. 2023 September 3, Cristina Garcia, “Polyphemus moth (Antheraea polyphemus)”, in Our Wild Yard:
   • This summer I acquired two Polyphemus caterpillars at Mothapalooza, a mothing conference. 2017 October 26, Edie Parnum, “Polyphemus Moths Live Near Me”, in Backyards for Nature, Valley Forge Audubon Society:
   • Polyphemus caterpillars can eat the leaves of many different trees and shrubs. 2006, “Antheraea polyphemus – Polyphemus Moth”, in Prairie Haven:
   • Polyphemus caterpillars eat part or most of their eggshells before wandering off in search of food. (Can we date this quote?), “Polyphemus Silkmoth - Antheraea polyphemus”, in wormspit.com:

Forms