Peduncle may be weak, allowing cocoon to fall to ground during winter, or strong so that cocoon remains on tree all winter. What Caused This Severe Nutrient Deficiency on Pygmy Date Palm? Other offers may also be available. What's That Bug? Hi Hollie, Adult moths do not feed. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Sometimes they will also spin their cocoons in the leaf litter, which is where the Luna moth spins its cocoon also. I echo what others are saying about the amazing facts you teach us. I assume it will not hatch until next spring. Possibly Hyalophora euryalus? After a storm some branches fell down in the yard. It depicts eye spots, which is one of its primary identification features.
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So since this was left on the tree it is most likely a Polyphemus moth (Anthraea polyphemus), and the opening on the top means that the moth has already emerged and flown away. ( Log Out / Hi again Christine, Box 110180 Gainesville, FL 32611-0180 | Phone: (352) 392-1761, This page uses Google Analytics (Google Privacy Policy) | Policies: UF Privacy | SSN Privacy | IFAS Web Policy | EOI Statement | Log in. An online resource based on the award-winning nature guide – maryholland505@gmail.com, How to Order Photo Prints, High Resolution Digital Images, and Books, http://www.naturallycuriouswithmaryholland.wordpress.com, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFtGPjPWKv0, ORDER NATURALLY CURIOUS, THE BEST-SELLING BOOK BY MARY HOLLAND. So informative, Mary…what an amazing cocoon & beautiful moth! I attached some photos of the leaves. August 6, 2012 8:11 pm For additional information, see the Global Shipping Program, This amount includes applicable customs duties, taxes, brokerage and other fees. I wish spring was not so far away. I started searching a different way and found photos of Giant Silk Moth nests which look very like what is in our birch tree. Cocoons in trees are susceptible to attack by squirrels and woodpeckers, whereas mice are the biggest threat to cocoons on the ground. The Polyphemus moth is the one likely to leave the pupa out in the open attached to a plant. Here in New England we have four noted species - Antheraea polyphemus (Polyphemus moth ), Callosamia promethea (Promethea moth), Hyalophora cecropia (Cecropia moth), and the most famous, Actias luna (Luna moth). It is now October and whatever built it it alive and very active when handled.
The Polyphemus moth is the one likely to leave the pupa out in the open attached to a plant. You might be better off letting nature take its course. Dear Bugman, Giant silk moths derive their name from both their size as well as > the fine silk they use to spin the cocoons which serve as ” >. Subject: What is this? Caterpillars get huge, feeding on a variety to broadleaf trees. Polyphemus caterpillars use a full range of cocoon placement behaviors typical for their species: Attached longitudinally and permanently to a twig so that the cocoon does not fall to the ground during the winter. Antheraea polyphemus. really you’re thinking praying mantis? Signature: Christine, Dear Christine, Spun on ground among fallen leaves, grasses or herbs. We will try to contact Bill Oehlke to see if he can provide any information. Auburn University Entomology and Plant Pathology, Aphids, Scale Insects, Leafhoppers, and Tree Hoppers, Fungus Beetles and Pleasing Fungus Beetles, Pantry Beetles, Grain Weevils, Spider Beetles, Meal Worms and Carpet Beetles, Crickets, Camel Crickets and Mole Crickets, Sow Bugs, Pill Bugs, Isopods, Lawn Shrimp and Amphipods, Hummingbird Moths, Sphinx Moths or Hawk Moths, Pantry Moths, Clothes Moths, Case-Bearers and Meal Moths, Neuropterans: Lacewings, Antlions, and Owlflies, What's That Bug? You can also subscribe without commenting.
Shipped carefully and really fast! If you had been located in the Eastern portion of the U.S., we would have been in doubt of the identity of your cocoon, but since the Luna Moth is not a western species, by the process of elimination, we believe this is the cocoon of a Polyphemus Moth. Oops, missed that it was found in California. If it is, you’ll hear me crowing far and wide. If you had been located in the Eastern portion of the U.S., we would have been in doubt of the identity of your cocoon, but since the Luna Moth is not a western species, by the process of elimination, we believe this is the cocoon of a Polyphemus Moth. Condition is "New". Sometimes they will also spin their cocoons in the leaf litter, which is where the Luna moth spins its cocoon also. Since the cocoon was up a tree a bit, we did not place too much emphasis on the measurements which seem too big to us. I’ll be sure to let you know when it hatches. Thanks SO much! We wonder if that happened in the fall. I do see silky strands but not many. The more I look at it though, the more I think it is definitely not a praying mantis. Q: I found this “nest” attached to a branch of a crape myrtle. ”, Hi, I only ship to the United States. A couple scientists in Boston are even waiting for it to eclose. The moth overwinters as a pupa inside the cocoon. I went up a ladder and took a photo. Your email address will not be published. Polyphemus Moth Antheraea polyphemus Experience the wonder of metamorphosis!
What's That Bug? Quite the opposite, actually. This cocoon and its branch fell from an unknown tree in Wisconsin.
I don’t want to cut it down in case it is something that is not harmful. I would love to see the moth emerge and was thinking of placing a protective netting cage around it so it still gets moisture and the cold air it needs and then closely monitor it. The PayPal Credit account is issued by Synchrony Bank. Click on image to order ANIMAL EARS from publisher. All four species build their cocoons in the fall… It looks to big to me to be spiders and I’m assuming spiders wouldn’t have egg sacs high up in trees. Love these updates on our natural world. Giant silk moths, family Saturniidae, are the largest moths in North America. Description Eggs : … Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) Class 3.5.19, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. I tried identifying the trees on line. I am excited to see what it is. Qualifying purchases could enjoy No Interest if paid in full in 6 months on purchases of $99 or more. It is beautiful!!!
Polyphemus Moth Cocoon. I also attached another photo of the cocoon (?) Thanks again. does not endorse extermination. Thanks for the update Hollie, With the additional information and new photograph, we are now inclined to believe this is the cocoon of a Giant Silkmoth in the family Saturniidae.
Attached apically by a silk peduncle to a twig. January 8, 2016 3:50 pm
My kids have it in a bug catcher waiting for it to hatch. Cocoon of a Polyphemus Moth Thanks for the update Hollie, With the additional information and new photograph, we are now inclined to believe this is the cocoon of a Giant Silkmoth in the family Saturniidae. Giant silk moths derive their name from both their size as well as the fine silk they use to spin the cocoons which serve as protection for the pupal stage in their life cycle. With the additional information and new photograph, we are now inclined to believe this is the cocoon of a Giant Silkmoth in the family Saturniidae. It seems compact for a Cecropia Cocoon. It looks like it was made with leaves and fibers wrapped around something which are now decayed and attached with little stringy bits at the top and to some small branches. See the seller's, Butterfly Art In Butterfly & Moth Collectibles. So maybe it was fairly new and then the rain on top of it pushed the grass into it? The grass most likely became adhered during the fall. It was soft and squishy when they found it and now it’s hard. Daniel, Thanks for the update Hollie,