We have been watching the cocoon since it was re-attached to a willow stem two days ago. Today the Polyphemus silk moth Antheraea polyphemus emerged. This adult will live 3 or 4 days. She will not hunt or feed, only seek a mate in her short existence in this form. The life cycle will start again when she lays eggs; the eggs will hatch caterpillars that will eventually cocoon to become as handsome as this adult. Look closely -- the 'eye spots' are as transparent in real life as they look!
