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Polyphemus Moth Host Plant Results
By Marc Minno
To follow up on my article published last year in Palmetto (volume 39 #1, pages 4-5) requesting information about native plants eaten by the Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus), I received emails, letters, photos, and cocoons from a number of FNPS members. I greatly appreciated receiving responses from Lesley Arrandale, Stephen and Jana Bares, Cathy Benton, Karen Brown, Marcie Clutter, Linda Curtis, Jay Davis, Sharon and Brent Dolan, Linda Fish, Gina Holt, Judy Jenkins, Mary Kimmel, Joyce King, Suze and Fred Peace, Wendy Poag, Lester Scott, Nancy West, and Stephanie Wooley.
Native hosts that these astute observers documented for the Polyphemus Moth include sweetgum, wax myrtle, two maples, and four kinds of oaks (Table 1). Several exotic ornamental trees planted in yards were also found to be host plants, including Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), ‘St. Lukes’ purple leaf plum (Prunus cerasifera), and ‘Drake’ elm (Ulmus parvifolia). I believe that there are still other hosts waiting to be discovered, so keep an eye out for the cocoons or caterpillars.
