The Polyphemus Moth - Also Known As The TARANTULA WITH WINGS

December 7, 2022

A photo of a "flying tarantula" is freaking out social media users.

tarantula with wings
Via Reddit

It is actually just a harmless moth. The Polyphemus Moth, also known as the "tarantula with wings".

It's a type of giant silk moth native to North America, with populations found throughout central Canada and the United States.

They can grow to about six inches long.

flying tarantula
Credit: Wikimedia Commons / wikimedia.org

The spots on the moth's back give it the name Polyphemu, which is also the name of the huge cyclops Odysseus fought in Homer's "Odyssey".

While some photos might make the moth look terrifying, other photos show the moth in a different light.

spider moth
Credit: Jacob Gorneau via Project Noah

Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz

feel good videoZoo Visitor Captures Incredible Moment An Elephant Saves A Gazelle From Drowning

feel good storiesShe Meant Every Word Of 'In Sickness And In Health'

feel good storiesMy Friend Threw Her Disabled Cat A Birthday Party In The Park

feel good storiesThe Grade That Saved A Life: A Professor's Unforgettable Act Of Kindness

feel good storiesHummingbirds Are Nesting On String Lights - And People Are Sharing The Cutest Photos

feel good storiesSoaked, Scared, And Alone - Baby Raccoon Melts Hearts After Rescue

feel good videoZoo Visitor Captures Incredible Moment An Elephant Saves A Gazelle From Drowning

feel good videoGolden Retriever Pushes Owner Into Water Causing Hilarious Chaos

feel good videoMan Claims He Can Speak Chicken - And Then Proves It

feel good videoEmu Has An Absolute Blast Playing Chase With Dogs

feel good videoKid's Freestyle Dance To Live Jazz Is Pure Joy — And Viewers Can't Get Enough

Chris Filippou 12:17 PM (3 minutes ago) to me