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. |
A Dance with a Million Partners - Incredible Nature!
Between the end of spring and the beginning of a new summer, the Tisza River in Hungary is host to one of the most incredible natural phenomena, as millions of long tailed mayflies form huge masses and rise from the water, flutter and dance above the
21 Incredible Moth Species You Just Have to Meet
Introducing you to 21 remarkable moth species you may like to meet.
16 Breathtaking Images of Our Planet's Natural Wonders
Take a look at these 16 incredibly well-timed photos of some of our planet's most spectacular natural wonders.
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.
Watch With Us as We Witness a Butterfly Transformation
The transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly is one of nature's greatest sights.
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
Equestrian Grace: 15 Majestic Horses in Icelandic Scenery
These photographs of beautiful horses in Iceland by Petra Marita look like beautiful paintings.
These Adorable Baby Animals Will Make You Smile
These tiny animals can all fit in one hand and are the cutest creatures you will see today.
Soak in the Beauty of Our Planet With These Stunning Photos
Take a look at these stunning photos of our beautiful planet Earth.
The Internet's Burning Questions About Biology, Answered
Watch biologist Thor Hanson answer some fascinating questions about biology in this video.
Defying the Natural Order - When Fish Eat Birds
Watch this giant trevally leap out of the water to catch unsuspecting birds in the most sensational fashion.
Witness the Stunning Majesty of the Birds of India
If you're a bird lover, then few places on this planet are more ideal for you than India. Find out why here.
Far, Far Away, There's a Land Where Pandas Roam Free...
Giant pandas are highly endangered, however there's a beautiful sanctuary in China devoted to ensuring that population numbers are boosted. See the photos.
Adorable Miniature Donkeys Are Here to Make Your Day!
These diminutive donkeys aren't babies or dwarves, but an adorable breed of smaller donkeys. They’re so cute you’ll want to adopt a few.
Spring Is Here: 8 Spring Flowers You Can Plant Right Now
These flowers will make your garden look marvelous in the spring time.
The Pronking Dance of the Antelopes - Lovely!
The sprinbok like to find a place of rain, and after it passes, they celebrate the fresh grass with... pronking, a very beautiful, very strange dance!
Australia Has Some of the Cutest Wildlife in the World!
Australia has many deadly animals, but did you know it's also filled with fluffy, adorable wildlife? Warning: You may want to fly to Australia and hug some animals after this post.
This Incredible Bird Can Make Any Sound it Likes!
This classic Attenborough scene is of the most amazing bird in the world. Just listen to the sound(s) it makes! Cover image by Vern / flickr
Here Are 12 of the Strangest Lakes on the Planet
We present to you 12 of the strangest lakes on our planet.
17 Heart-Melting Smiling Animals to Brighten Your Day
Smiles are contagious - that everyone knows, so look at these pictures of smiling animals and one will spread across your face in no time.
The Best Photos of the Milky Way Taken From Perfect Places
Take a look at the vivid colors of the Milky Way from the most remote and gorgeous locations in the world in this collection of photographs
Houdini Is Back, And He's a Honey Badger Now...
An amazing video that every animal-lover should see.
This Botanical Garden in Pennsylvania Is Out of This World
Take a look at these terrific photos of stunning Botanical garden, Longwood Gardens.
The Colorful and Beautiful Birds of Paradise!
This amazing video brings to life the most beautiful and stunning of birds!
20 Mindblowing Examples of Animal Camouflage
Nature truly is amazing! Take a look at these 20 photos, and see if you can spot the camouflaged creatures!
The Flowers & Blossoms of Fruit Trees Are Achingly Pretty
There are few things in this world that are quite as magical as a flowering or blossoming fruit tree. Take a look at 15 stunning images of fruit tree flowers.
You Will Be Amazed at the United Kingdom's Pure Natural Beauty
The British Isles are ancient lands, filled with history, and also places of sublime natural beauty. Come see these beautiful places close at hand, taken by talented photographers.
15 of Bhutan's Most Riveting Animals Revealed!
From the clouded leopard to the Himalayan monal, discover the wonders of Bhutan's wildlife kingdom with us.
Remarkable Winners of the Insect Week Photography 2023
Check out the amazing winning shots from the Insect Week Photography Competition.
This Video Proves That Pigs Are Both Cute and Hilarious!
These pigs have the ability to melt your heart, but they often end up making you scream with laughter in the process!
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.
These 14 Cute Panda Bears Will Make you Laugh Out Loud!
There is no cuter and funnier animal than a panda bear, and if you don't believe me, these 14 examples will certainly prove it!
15 Wonderful Plants to Grow in Every Room in Your Home
We wouldn’t be surprised if you’re already growing plants in your home, but the question is, are you placing them correctly?
16 Stunning Gardens I'd Be Delighted to Stroll Through...
A stunning collection of 16 different landscape designs that will excite every nature lover out there.
Your Ultimate Guide to All Breeds of Cat!
From Balinese to a Scottish Fold - there are many breeds of cats, and you'll find them all here!
15 Flowers that Smell So Good, Your Garden Must Have Them
Your ultimate guide to selecting flowers, plants and herbs for an aromatic outdoor space.
These Award-Winning Wildlife Photos Are Phenomenal
View some of the best entries from the 2017 edition of GDT's ‘European Wildlife Photographer of the Year' competition. Take a look.
See Colorful Butterflies in Gorgeous Detail
We present you with our most beautiful photo galleries of butterflies and moths all in in one page.
You’ll Never Guess the Price Tags on These Luxury Plants!
Believe it or not, each of these houseplants costs thousands of dollars. Find out why.
Expect to See Lots of Butterflies with These Flowers
Here are 15 flowers you should add to your outdoor space in the hope of seeing more beautiful butterflies.
15 Pictures Depicting the Rare Wonders of Nature
In this article, we display 15 unique photos of various natural phenomena - from rare eye colors to beautiful rock formations, and even albino plants.
You Won't Believe How Long These Animals Can Live For!
What do you think the longest-living life-form on Earth is? This video has all the answers!
4 Simple Steps to Befriending Your Local Crow
Discover the secrets of befriending a wild crow with just four simple steps in this captivating video.
There Are Exquisite, Colorful Trees Growing in Japan...
Japan is more than Japanese culture, it is also a land of unspeakable natural beauty as you can see in these beautiful photos of japan's nature.
The Unchallenged Beauty of 14 Waterfalls Worldwide
Admire the beauty and power of 14 picturesque waterfalls from every corner of the planet
These Photos Appear To Have Been Taken In Another World...
Planet Earth is an incredible place - so incredible that we sometimes don't even recognise it. These locations could easily double up as alien planets.