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This enormous caterpillar is the larval stage of the Polyphemus moth, one of the largest moths in North America. These caterpillars feed voraciously for two months before making a cocoon and pupating. They eat the leaves of birch, oak, hickory, walnut, and fruit trees and they are able to strip the leaves off the entire branch in one day. Due to their relatively small numbers, Polyphemus moth caterpillars do not pose a threat to trees or forest. The caterpillars hatch into huge, brown moths that have non functional mouths and no digestive system. They have a very short life span, living ony 7-10 days. During this time as adults, they do not eat. They reproduce as quickly as possible, laying hundreds of eggs, continuing the cycle.