Io Moth

Automeris io

The Io Moth is a big, fluffy moth with beautiful eyespots on its wings. It looks like a butterfly but is actually a moth!

Habitat: Forests and gardens

Appearance

The Io Moth is known for its striking appearance. Males typically have bright yellow forewings, while females are more reddish-brown, both with small dark spots. Its most distinct feature is the pair of large, vivid blue-and-black eyespots on its hindwings, which resemble owl eyes when revealed.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilySaturniidaeGenusAutomeris

Io Moth

Interesting facts

Adult Io Moths don't eat anything! They live only a few days using energy from when they were caterpillars.

Io Moth caterpillars are "social" and live in groups when they are young, marching together on plants.

Some people call them "Peacock Moths" because their stunning eyespots resemble a peacock's feathers.

The male Io Moth is bright yellow, but the female is usually a reddish-brown color, they look very different!

Special abilities

Io Moths can instantly flash their large, blue-centered eyespots on their hindwings to startle predators, making itself look like a much bigger animal.

Io Moth caterpillars have venomous, barbed spines that deliver a painful sting to deter predators from eating them.

Female Io Moths release invisible scent signals (pheromones) to attract males from miles away, ensuring they can find a mate.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 50-80 mm
Size: 25-35 mm
Lifespan: 5-10 days
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

Caterpillars munch on many plant leaves; adult moths do not eat!

Age differences: Only the caterpillar stage eats, munching on leaves; adult moths do not feed.

Primary Foods

Willow leaves
Sassafras leaves
Hackberry leaves
Corn leaves

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Black Willow

Salix nigra

Caterpillars munch on its leaves.

eats

Sassafras

Sassafras albidum

A favorite host plant for caterpillars.

eats

Corn

Zea mays

Caterpillars are sometimes found on corn plants.

eaten by

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

Birds sometimes eat its caterpillars.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Forest

These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.

Nocturnal

Explore the secret world of animals that come alive at night! They are wide awake when it's dark, using their amazing senses to find food and play.

Pollinator

Meet the busy helpers of the plant world! These creatures carry pollen from one flower to another, helping plants make seeds and grow fruits and vegetables.