Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > What insect is this? > General/curiosity insects > Caterpillars, maggots, grubs, and similar immature insects greater than 2 inches long > Polyphemus caterpillar

Polyphemus caterpillar

Antheraea polyphemus

Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota Extension

Steven Katovich, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Description: 3 - 3 1/2 inches long. Pale green with sparse long hairs along the top and sides of the abdomen.

Where/When: Can be found on many different deciduous trees and shrubs, including ash, birch, maple, oak, and willow. It has also been known to eat grape leaves. Commonly seen during August and September.

Significance: Feeding essentially is never severe enough to injure trees; turns into attractive Polyphemus moth.

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