A rare look into the various stages of what it takes to become a butterfly, or more exactly, anAntheraea polyphemus moth from the initial larva stage, through worm, cocoon and eventually into the butterfly stage. |
This is the Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus). It is a North American member of the family Saturniidae, the giant silk moths. It is a tan colored moth, with an average wingspan of 15 cm (6 inches). |
The most notable feature of the moth is its large, purplish eyespots on its two hindwings. The eye spots are where it gets its name – from the Greek myth of the Cyclops Polyphemus. |
The species is widespread in continental North America, with local populations found throughout subarctic Canada and the United States. The caterpillar of the Polyphemus Moth can eat 86,000 times its weight at emergence in a little less than two months. |
When the eggs hatch small yellow caterpillars emerge. As the caterpillars age, they molt 5 times (the 5th being into a pupa). Each instar is slightly different, but on their fifth and final instar they become a bright green color with silver spots on their side. |
They feed heavily on their host plant and can grow up to 3—4 inches long. They then spin cocoons of brown silk, usually wrapped in leaves of the host plant. |
These Gorgeous Animals Make Black and White Look Beautiful
We always assume colorful animals are the most lovely but these black and white beauties are here to prove you wrong.
New From Nature: 11 New Animal Species Discovered in 2022
Today, we will acquaint you with 2022's 11 newly discovered species of animals and delve into the reasoning behind their distinctive names.
These Rare Animals Are Both Weird and Wonderful
Have you ever seen a creature that looked so weird and unique that you weren't sure if you were actually looking at an alien or something that belongs on our planet?Discover here these 15 weird and wonderful creatures that are too wonderful for words
13 Incredible & Intricate Homes of Animal Architects
The amazing homes animals build for themselves are both mesmerizing and brilliant. Behold nature’s most amazing architects.
Funny True Facts: The Mosquito
Are these flying bloodsuckers interesting in any way? You're about to be surprised because this video is as fascinating as it is hilarious!
These Intimate Animal Portraits Will Leave You Stunned
Photographer Pedro Jarque Krebs takes intimate close-ups of wild animals. Here are some if his best shots.
A Most Beautiful Exploration of the Ocean Floor
Dive far below the ocean, all the way to its bottom below the great frozen continent of Antarctica.
A Flower Timelapse That Will Brighten Up Your Day
In Bloom: A stunning video evolution of flowers opening
This is the Smallest Wild Dog You've Likely Seen
This little wild dog was recently thought to be extinct.
Seeing These Pretty Flowers Will Put a Smile on Your Face
These flowers as so pretty it hurts. Just viewing them will put a smile on your face and brighten up the rest of your day.
These Amazing Nature Pics Will Leave You Speechless
Check out these unique and amazing nature photos from around the world.
Turbulent Waters: Unbelievable Sea Moments
The ocean can be a big and scary place. Here are some of the craziest sea moments caught on camera.
Who Said Minerals Can't Be As Beautiful As Gems?
The most beautiful minerals in the world show themselves in these stunning photos.
A Huddle is a Cute Thing. A BIRD Huddle is Just the Cutest!
A huddle is a cute thing. A BIRD huddle is the cutest!
The Top 10 Animal World Record Holders Are Totally Awesome
From a bird doing slam dunks to a dog freely skateboarding through a human tunnel, here are the top ten animal Guinness World Record holders!
I Have Never Been This Moved by a Flower's Beauty
Nature is full of plenty of surprises, but none surpass the varied beauty of these wild flowers. Enjoy this series of gorgeous, delicate rare flowers to add some beauty to your day!
Few Flowers are as Colorful as the Tulip...
Tulips are some of the most stunning flowers imaginable. Take a look at these breathtaking photos to find out why.
Nature's Brilliant Blues Will Brighten Your Day
We live on the 'blue planet', underneath a blue sky, but instances of blue elsewhere is actually quite rare. Here are some of the most beautiful examples.
16 Majestic Bird Photos That Should Be Framed
The winners of the Bird Photographer of the Year 2022 were recently announced. Let’s check out the best winning images.
INTERACTIVE: Click to See the English Tide Come and Go...
This interactive photo presentation lets you click on images taken by Michael Marten, and see the English tide coming in and going out.
9 of the Most Fascinating Night-Singing Birds
Enter the fascinating world of birds that chirp mellifluously at night.
WATCH: These Two Elephants Meet After 20 Years...
Being apart for 20 years can be hard, and when these 2 elephants finally met again, the results were simply beautiful.
Here Are 10 of The Most Spectacular Forests in the World
Forests make up a third of our planet, and some of them are just utterly spectacular. Here are 10 of the most amazing forests in the world.
Visiting the Tallest Moutain in NZ: Mount Cook Adventure!
Don't miss out on this opportunity to witness the splendor of this unique destination.
This Tree Is 3,200 Years Old and Almost 250 Feet High
This tree is so large that it has never been wholly photographed from base to tip - that is until now. You can also watch a video of the process.
A Royal Beast: Celebrating the Beauty of the Horse
These stunning photos and beautiful quotes about horses made me remember how much I admire them.
The Amazing Life of a National Geographic Photographer.
Cory Richards has been all over the world and went through a life and death experience, this is what he has to say to you…
Starlings Are Master Sound Imitators - Fascinating!
Did you know that the European starling is capable of mimicking practically any sound it hears with uncanny precision? That includes human voices.
Have You Ever Seen Birds More Stunning than These?
Among all species, birds are perhaps the prettiest. Take a look at the world's most beautiful birds:
These 20 Animal Facts will Blow Your Mind
Did you know that squirrels plant trees or that oysters can change their gender? These little-known animal facts will blow your mind! I was especially impressed with no.6!
An Inspiring Collection of Moments in the Lives of Animals
Some of the most poignant stories and photos of animals from around the world.
Human Cultivation Changed These Plants Beyond Recognition!
These 8 familiar fruits and vegetables changed so much when people started cultivating them, you won't be able to recognize them!
These Horses All Have the Most Amazing Hair!
These horse breeds all have an amazing hair! Enjoy getting to know some of the world's most beautiful horse breeds, along with some facts.
18 Breathtaking Photos Depict Nature as Heaven on Earth
These photos enable us to appreciate the beauty in mother nature and all that she has to offer.
Humans Aren't the Only Devoted Parents...
Beautiful examples of the kind of parents you'll find in the animal kingdom.
The Colorful and Beautiful Birds of Paradise!
This amazing video brings to life the most beautiful and stunning of birds!
Animal Crossings Are a Huge Step For Wildlife Conservation
Animal crossings are an invention that has contributed significantly to lowering the number of animals killed on the roads. Here are 20 around the world.
Black Sand & Blue Seas Make These Beaches Spectacular
As beautiful as the beaches may be, there is something alluring and mysteriously beautiful about black sand beaches. Take a look.
These Are the Best Nature Walks in the Entire World
There's no doubt that walking in nature is good for the soul, so imagine what it would do for you along the very best routes in the world. Here are 10 of them.
Wild Nature: Young Elephant Fends Off 14 Lions Unharmed
How an elephant convinces a group of lions that this is not an animal worth tangling with...
These Beautiful Endangered Butterflies are a Joy to Behold
These exotic butterflies are extremly rare and placed high atop the endangered species list, but will fill your eyes with color and wonder.
Here’s How Male and Female Dogs Are Different
We usually assume there isn’t much difference between male and female dogs. But that isn’t exactly true.
Woodpeckers Are So Captivating!
Did you know that there are over 200 species of woodpeckers in the world? Let’s check out some of the most fascinating ones.